Richard F. Soppa

Richard F Soppa, 88, passed away peacefully, Tuesday, October 4, 2022, in Rockford, IL.

Richard was born October 2, 1934, in Arcadia, to Anton and Elizabeth (Sobotta) Soppa. He graduated from Arcadia High School in 1952, and went on to attend Gahl Institute Railroad Training (1953). Richard served in the U.S. Army, from 1956 to 1958, stationed in Japan. He was a Personnel and Communication Specialists and an accomplished member of the U.S. Army track team. Richard then went on to graduate from the Chicago National College of Naprapathy (1962). He established his naprapathy practice in Rockford and served many patients faithfully for 60 years (1962-2022). Richard received an Outstanding Clinic Award, was member of the CNCN Research Committee and was CNCN Alumni President. He was a faithful choir singer, cantor and member of St James Church (Rkfd.) He was a member of the Knights of Columbus since 1962. Richard loved golf and muskie fishing and enjoyed attending educational lectures.

Richard is survived by his four children: Tamara M. (Robin) Koenig, Janet E. (James) Derksen, Laura A. Soppa and Anthony G. (Rebekah) Soppa; four grandchildren: Kelsey J. Koenig, Amanda R. Koenig, Helena G. Derksen and Beatriz E. (Wes) Acosta; his sister, Therese James; and many friends and grateful patients. He was preceded in death by his parents; and 10 brothers & sisters.

A visitation was held Monday, October 10, 2022, from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., at Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory, 1860 S. Mulford Road, Rockford, IL 61108. Celebration of the Mass of Christian Burial took place the same day at St. James Catholic Church, in the Beauvais Center, 428 N. 2nd Street, at 12:00 p.m. Burial followed at Greenwood Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. James Catholic Church. To send online condolences or share memories, please visit www.fitzgeraldfh.com.