M. Joan Popp
M. Joan Popp 88 died Wednesday, September 13, 2017 at DeKalb County Rehab and Nursing Center. She was born August 24, 1929 to Clarence and Mary Louisa (Evers) Popp in Middletown, Ohio. Joan was baptized and confirmed at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Middletown.

Joan received her BS degree from Miami University in 1952 and began her teaching career at Capital University in Bexley, Ohio. In 1954 Joan began working in the PE Department at Valparaiso University, Indiana where she taught for five years. While at Valpo she earned her MA from Ohio State University in 1956. Her next university in the trek westward was NIU starting in 1959. Joan earned her Ph.D. from the University of Iowa in 1966 and remained at NIU as a professor in the department of Kinesiology and Physical Education until the time of her retirement in 1995. Joan served on many committees including curriculum, personnel, faculty senate and 8 years on the NIU Annuitants Association with 2 of the 8 years as President. She also gave presentations on posture, stress management and sports teaching techniques.

Joan was a faithful member of Immanuel Lutheran Church in DeKalb where she served on many committees. She was on the Board of Directors at the DeKalb Area Women's Center. Joan lived her passion for tennis playing the game for nearly 50 years both socially and competitively before being an avid spectator. She also belonged to the NIU Women's Club and Book Club.

Joan was preceded in death by her parents, aunt: Agatha Frances Evers, and her beloved beagle dogs. She is survived by those that loved her within the church, university and local community.

Funeral service will be held at 2 pm on Sunday, September 17, 2017 at Immanuel Lutheran Church, 511 Russell Road, DeKalb with Pastors Marty Marks and Ray Krueger officiating. Visitation will be 1pm until 2 pm prior to the funeral at Immanuel on Sunday. Burial will be at Woodside Cemetery in Middletown OH. Arrangements were entrusted to: Finch Funeral Home 310 Oak St. DeKalb, IL, 60115 (815) 758-3841.