February 3, 1937 – October 24, 2024

With deep sorrow and much love, we mourn the passing of Walter Edward Schoppa. A respected engineer and beloved husband and father, he passed away on October 24, 2024. Born on February 3, 1937, in Baytown, Texas, Walt’s life was marked by hard work, support for others, and unwavering dedication to his family. He was married to Rosalyn Wukman Schoppa for over 57 years, and they were inseparable, demonstrating what true love is all about.  He is survived by his children Susan (Clark), Derek (Cherie) and Stacy (Clayton Cutchall); grandchildren Caden, Caroline, Emma, and Adam; and cousins, nieces, and nephews.

After graduating high school, Walt proudly served in the U.S. Air Force as an aircraft mechanic.  He was stationed in Christchurch, New Zealand with work in Antarctica.  He traveled the globe and saw the South Pole, the pyramids in Egypt, islands in the Pacific, and European capitals. He then attended Texas A&M University and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in chemical engineering. Walt’s career as a project engineer spanned over four decades, with more international travel in the first years before settling his family in Friendswood, Texas.

Throughout his life, Walt was an avid outdoorsman. He spent weekends hunting, fishing, or tending to his vegetable garden, where he grew dill and cucumbers for his famous pickles that he gave to anyone he met.  With a natural ability to fix anything mechanical, he was always available to help neighbors and friends.

Walt was a very devout Catholic, with a caring spirit and steadfast faith.  He served in various parish ministries. He enjoyed being a Eucharistic minister at Mass, and he took holy communion to the sick and homebound with heartfelt compassion.

Walt’s greatest love was being home and spending time with his family.  He played pool with his friends, watched football, shared his projects, and told stories.  His Saturday morning pancake and bacon breakfasts will be fondly remembered by his children and grandchildren, who could always count on him for a listening ear, a hearty laugh, and a tight hug.

Walt was most dedicated to Rosalyn as she was to him.  After a lifetime together, they left this world only weeks apart.  Their final resting place will be together at Mount Olivet Catholic Cemetery in Dickinson, Texas.  Walter will be dearly missed but his love will remain with us forever.