Ernie Tropp, Jr.

Memorial Graveside Services and Inurnment for Ernest E. "Ernie" Tropp, Jr. will be held on Wednesday, October 21, 2020 at 1:00 p.m. at the Moses Hill Cemetery, in rural Phelps, Nebraska, with Pastor Mike Szekely.  Military Honors will be provided by the Loomis Veterans Organization in conjunction with the Offutt Air Force Base Funeral Honors Team.

Due to health concerns, regarding the COVID-19 pandemic; current CDC and Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services guidelines for Faith-Based Services will be followed. The Tropp family sincerely encourages each person to make their decision whether to attend Ernie's service based on the best interest of your health, and that of your community.  Ernie's service will be live-streamed via the Nelson-Bauer Funeral Home's Facebook page. (https://www.facebook.com/Nelson-Bauer-Funeral-Homes-111601113801622)

Ernest Eugene "Ernie" Tropp, Jr., 72 years of age, of Loomis, Nebraska, passed away on Saturday, October 17, 2020, at the Phelps Memorial Health Center in Holdrege, Nebraska.  Ernie was born on February 12, 1948, in Marion, Ohio, the eldest of four children, born to Ernest E., Sr. and Arlene (Fields) Tropp. He received his primary education from elementary schools in Ohio and graduated with the class of 1966, from Waynesville Public Schools in Missouri.  Ernie later pursued higher education, taking welding courses from Central Community College in Holdrege.

On June 1, 1967, Ernie enlisted in the United States Air Force and completed his basic training at Lackland Air Force Base in Texas.  He was then stationed at the Offutt Air Force Base in Omaha, Nebraska, as a supply specialist, a member of Strategic Air Command.  Ernie served during the Vietnam War and was honorably discharged on May 28, 1971.

On August 22, 1971, Ernie was united in marriage to Kathryn M. Riggs at the United Methodist Church in Loomis.  This union was blessed with three children:  Marissa, Clayton, and Gayle.  The family made their home in Loomis and Ernie worked for Central Nebraska Public Power and Irrigation District in Holdrege, as a Heavy Equipment Operator, for over 40 years.  He retired on April 1, 2014.

Ernie enjoyed being his children's #1 fan; cheering on Loomis Sports; and any team playing against Nebraska.  Ernie will be remembered for his love of the Kansas City Chiefs and Royals; dirt track racing; cigars; fishing; telling tall tales; following rodeos; and joking around.

Ernie was preceded in death by; his parents; his mother-in-law and father-in-law: Clyde and Maude Riggs; one daughter in infancy, Marissa Tropp in 1976; one sister, Peggy Tropp-Warren; and his sister-in-law: Kathleen Riggs.

Ernie leaves to celebrate his life: his wife of 49 years, Kathy Tropp of Loomis; son, Clayton Tropp of Loomis; daughter, Gayle Henry and her husband, Darrell of Holdrege; two grandsons:  Holden and Hunter Tropp; two sisters:  Pam Hemme of Rolla, Missouri; and Penny Suchocki and her husband, Dave of Scottdale, Pennsylvania; one brother-in-law:  Bill Riggs of Centennial, Wyoming; along with nieces, a nephew, extended family, friends, and the Kansas City Chief's Nation.

The family has honored Ernie's wish for cremation.  There will be no visitation or viewing.

A memorial has been established in Ernie's honor, and kindly suggested to the:  Kids & Dreams Foundation of Kenesaw, Nebraska; or to the "L Club" at Loomis Public Schools.

Expressions of caring and kindness can be sent to the family at www.nelsonbauerfh.com

The Nelson-Bauer Funeral Home in Holdrege is in charge of the arrangements.