06/01/2026
Today, June 1, marks Popp Funeral and Cremation Services’ fifth anniversary under current ownership. It was a big leap of faith to take up what Thor Thorson built over fifty years, and little did our family know what a labor of love it would bring into our lives. There were some who spread the story we wouldn’t last a year when we started out, yet here we are, not only surviving but thriving five years later.
Good days far outnumbered the bad as we got to know families in the area, making lasting connections and befriending countless people. We gathered a staff of individuals who shared our servant-leader philosophy of putting others first: Connor Popp, Todd Holen, Wayne Sherry, Nancy Bongers, Peter Engh, Thalia LaForce, Angie Eitland Anderson, Dennis Popp and our compassionate K9, Maude.
Since 2021, Popp Funeral and Cremation Services has become a respected leader within the funeral-care profession. Our service performance has received a number of professional association honors with the most prestigious being the Pursuit of Excellence Award from the National Funeral Directors Association – which we have won twice and are nominated again for a third year.
Viroqua is more than a place on the map to us; it’s our home and a community dear to our heart. Our life is here and backed by results as we participate in area events, contribute monetarily to over sixty-five area civic groups and projects, and serve as active members of many area clubs and boards. The driving force behind our involvement around town is the desire to provide care and support for area residents beyond a single funeral service. We maintain a calendar of uplifting programs for people to come together and celebrate family and memories of a lifetime: A Holiday Service of Remembrance, Valentine’s Day Banquet, Wine and Wishes Gathering, Pie with Popp for Father’s Day. The list goes on and were just getting started developing healing and helpful programs for the families in our care – stay tuned.
Comfort comes first at Popp as we improve our facility to meet the needs and expectations of those we serve. We upgraded our audio-visual system throughout for enhanced music and video display, and embraced technology in our conference room for planning meetings with family. Every inch of our building has been given the once over with remodeling or redecorating. Again, we are just getting started.
Plans are now underway for additional improvements that will include an expansion project overhauling our entire facility in three stages. Phase one will be to development the property that we purchased neighboring the funeral home for additional parking and green space. Phase two will see the construction of the Popp Celebration Center, a stand-alone event center for an array of gatherings, such as celebrations of life, community events, family reunions, etc. Phase three will be a complete interior remodel, blending existing spaces with newly created ones. Five years in, we remain steadfast and forward-thinking in our focus to provide for the community and the families we serve long into the future.
None of what we have done, or will continue to do, is possible without the love and support of the community we are blessed to be a part of . We are ever mindful that the trust client-families place in us is sacred as we strive to serve with dignity, kindness, and humility. One family at a time has let us into their hearts and we are deeply humbled and incredibly grateful for the privilege. The outpouring of support throughout the past five years has been incredible and we look forward to being here for all in need for many years to come.
Nathan Popp
