Michael Frank Kopp, 65, of Laramie, Wyoming, unexpectedly passed away on April 10, 2024, at Swedish Medical Center in Denver. He was born on February 23, 1959, in Cheyenne, Wyoming, to his parents, Norman Kopp, Sr., and Janette (Roberts). He was the youngest of four children.
After Mike graduated from Cheyenne East High in 1977, he attended the University of Wyoming, after which he worked as a landscaper for the Francis E. Warren Estate. He met Amy Rodermel and in 1984 they were married at the Wyoming Hereford Ranch where they then lived and had their first daughter, Whitney, in 1986. They then moved to Laramie, where their second daughter, Molly, was born in 1988.
Mike was a skilled artist, and he expressed his unique views through his art, which captured the beauty of Wyoming’s wildlife and landscapes in his paintings and drawings. They have been showcased in galleries, businesses, and private collections throughout the US, including being recruited to have a line with the greeting card company, Leanin’ Tree. He worked for 30 years as a painter and carpenter at Ivinson Memorial Hospital in Laramie. His framed artwork and tree-textured walls can be found throughout the hospital. He retired from IMH February 1, 2024.
Mike shared with everyone his intrinsic passion for art, nature, and dogs, particularly with his daughters and grandson, teaching them “to be true to yourself,” “to never apologize for your art,” and that “there are no bad dogs.” He was a great conversationalist, and after his grandson Radley was born in 2010, Mike shared with him all of his stories. Radley cherished and has remembered them all, including being abducted by aliens, rehabilitating a wild golden eagle, and other extensive details of his papa’s life, ensuring they will never be lost or forgotten.
Mike is preceded in death by his parents, his sister JoEllen, and his dogs, Snoopy, Leiba, Harley, L.E., Ruby, Eddie, Gussie, Boone, Gus, and one cat, Ralph.
Mike is survived by wife Amy, daughters Whitney and Molly, grandson Radley, sister Monica, brother Norm and his wife Carol, numerous nieces, a nephew, and many friends and colleagues.
In lieu of flowers, donations to the Laramie Animal Shelter or Laramie Animal Welfare Society (LAWS), are appreciated, as he was getting ready to adopt another best friend.
Anyone who wishes to share memories of Mike is welcome to join us for a celebration of his life on July 6, 3-5pm, in Depot Park – the grassy area south of the Laramie Railroad Depot at 600 South 1st Street. Dogs are welcome too!
Great and merciful is our God. He who believes in Him shall never die, and with Him shall walk in everlasting life. May the love of family and the support from friends help you through the journey ahead. For we all have different journeys, Different paths along the way, We all were meant to learn some things, but never meant to stay... Our destination is a place, Far greater than we know. For some the journey's quicker, For some the journey's slow. And when the journey finally ends, We'll claim a great reward, And find an everlasting peace, Together with the Lord. Amen. Deepest condolences to Amy, Whitney, Molly, Radley, Steve ..and Mike's family and friends, in this profound loss. Sending my love to cousin Amy, especially. I wish I could be there instead, but I'll pray that you are comforted by the love that's surrounding you now.. and as your heart heals in the time to come. May God's grace and peace sustain you always.
Amy, Sure do wish I could be there on Saturday with you. Is Steve coming? I assume he is. He said he was going to Oregon. I think in July we pray that everything will go smoothly for you and that it will be a healing process for you And you have good memories. We pray in Jesus name amen. Love you from aunt Carole and uncle Donn. Xoxo
I am so sad to hear of Mike’s passing. He was such a kind, gentle and authentic man. We had many conversations about life. I always admired his wisdom , and of course, he eye for beauty expressed through his art. My heartfelt condolences to Amy, Whitney, and Molly.
We lost the greatest wilderness artist of all time today. I am so sorry to Amy, Molly and Whitney and everyone that met Mike... and everyone that ever had a conversation with him. Mike lived in a masterpiece and shared it with everyone that looked out for life shifting beauty. Mike you are missed and I am so grateful to have met you and held a conversation with you. I learned so much about what life was made of from you. You were the best father and the most poetic hunter that I will ever meet. You cared about life and lived such a rich understanding of God's work. I hope you felt your family shine on you everyday and I hope you found the peace that you created in our lives.
As are all received, that tribute about Mike is so beautifully written and appreciated by his family. We only wish we knew who you are!
I met Mike only twice but remember him being kind and easy to talk to. I have long admired his artistic skills and his skills at detail and at least two very different periods in his very effective use of color, Dan Nelson
I met Mike in college and it was one of the best things I’ve ever done. We painted houses together, tromped around the mountains, and loved each other’s dogs. We shared our dreams. I could depend on his practical wisdom when I would “fly away.” He was a wonderful artist, and my world and everyone else’s is smaller now. Douglas Wolfe
Our deepest sympathy to you, Amy, and your family. We were saddened in hearing of Mike's passing. We were lucky to see his creativity at work at one of our clients' house. He gifted us a water color painting. We enjoyed his company at the Canyon Ranches meetings. May your memories comfort you. Jeff and Cindy March
I would have to ditto everything Brenda said above. I had the honor and privilege of working with Mike for many years at IMH and never was there a time running into him during the day that didn’t make my day better. Conversation, his gentle and caring spirit always made me smile. One time I was struggling to get a full size bed with a patient on it into the elevator for transfer up to 3rd floor when along came Mike. While everyone else just passed by, Mike grabbed one side of the bed and helped me get them on and off the elevator and even to their room! That was the friendship of Mike I will always remember and treasure. What an artist, his watercolors amazing, the trees a treasure, but one of my favorites will always be the ‘shadow tree’ in the stairwell we always took from OPS to first floor or up to third. Thank you Mike. My life is definitely richer having known you and called you friend.
Our condolences to Amy, Whitney, Molly, Radley, and Steve, Mike’s brother-in-law. Daily, we enjoy artistic creations that Mike gifted us with for our home. We remember his kindness and compassion given to my brother Chuck, his father-in-law as my brother was in the last days of his life on earth. We ask God to bring his comfort to family and friends, as they grieve Mike’s passing. In the name of Jesus, our savior amen from aunt Carole and uncle Donn.
The loss of Mike Kopp to this world is immense. His talent, warmth, and simplicty will live on throughout the halls of Ivinson Hospital where he gifted so many of his greatest works. He was so generous with his wisdom on life.. wanting only the simplicity and peace of the mountains of Wyoming , his grandson and his beloved dogs. We all knew Mike to be open, honest and heartfelt. God Bless him. Brenda Page
Mike was a really great person and I enjoyed working with him for a number of years. We had so many great talks together and he was a great support to me during a very sad time in my life. He was kind and caring and such a great artist. I am so sad that he has left this world but I know he is well now. Leslie
Deepest sympathy to all. Mike was my cousin and we lost touch with each other but he was an amazing artist! We will cherish our picture he did for us for our wedding. Until we meet again... Love you Cuz! Paula & Bob Dennis
Mike was a very dear friend. I worked with him at IMH. He was a very sweet and kind . We had lots of awesome talks about life. I already miss him so much. I believe he's with his dogs in the mountains in heaven. Till we meet again, Debbie
It was my pleasure to have worked with Mike at IMH. We had lots of great conversations. I will miss him…May God be with all of you. Ellen and Curtis hicks