Donald G. Popoff
Donald George Popoff, 83, passed away Saturday, February 20, 2016, surrounded by his loving family.
Don was born May 30, 1932, in Lansing, Michigan, to Atanas and Anna (Harsick) Popoff. Following his graduation from Eastern High School, he was trained as a gunner in the United States Air Force during the Korean War. In 1952, he married the love of his life, Metta O’Dell. Together they shared the joys and challenges of raising nine children. Don instilled in all of his children a love of Michigan’s natural environment through many years of camping, fishing, boating, and swimming. He cherished his annual deer hunting trips to the UP in the company of lifelong friends. In 1957, Don opened The Popoff Meat Company near the Diamond REO plant on South Washington Avenue in downtown Lansing. Over the next 50 years, he adapted what was originally a bustling retail market into a wholesale restaurant supply company, serving many restaurants in the greater Lansing/East Lansing area.
Don is survived by his wife of 63 years, Metta; his children, Thomas Popoff, Joseph (Kathy) Popoff, Donna McCarthy, Christopher Popoff, Andrew Popoff, Amy Popoff, Timothy (Pat) Popoff, and Paula (Kurt) Steffen; fifteen beloved grandchildren; twelve great-grandchildren; nephews; nieces; and many other cherished friends and relatives. He was preceded in death by his parents, Atanas and Anna; stepmother, Ann (Goldman) Popoff; sister, Rose Barnhart; sister, Millie Robson; sister, Lillian; daughter, Rebecca Popoff; son-in-law, Tim McCarthy; and grandson George Popoff.
The family will receive visitors Wednesday, February 24, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Estes-Leadley Holt/Delhi Chapel. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated Thursday, February 25, at noon at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church, 3815 S. Cedar St., Lansing. Family and friends are invited to share in a luncheon at the church immediately following the Mass. Memorial contributions may be made to Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church.
3 Messages to “Donald G. Popoff”
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Ann Robson Walk
February 22, 2016 at 3:34 pmSo sorry for the loss of Don. I always enjoyed visiting with him. Love to kids and Metta.
Ruby Brown Killian
February 24, 2016 at 11:55 amI am so sorry to hear about Don’s passing. I am facebook friends with Shirley Worden and she text me . I now live in Arkansas, I returned to live there in 1973. I worked at Popoff’s in the late 60’s and early 70’s. This was my first job. I remember working with Joey, Becky, Chris, and Tommy. I believe Tommy was the oldest. Such great memories of working there as I was only 18 or 19 and just out of high school. Everyone there was like family. Bob Culham was the manager and I also remember Art. Popoff’s will always have a special place in my heart. I will be praying and thinking of the Popoff family during this sad time.
Bill and Jackie Payne
February 25, 2016 at 11:29 amSo sorry for the family’s loss. We have fond memories of Don and Metta at McCarthy gatherings. Don was a true icon in the business industry in Lansing for many years.