Angela M. Earp

Angela Mary (Soppe) Earp went peacefully to be with her Lord and Savior on January 26, 2016.
Angela was born on September 4, 1916, in Neola, Iowa, to Minnie Mae (Arrick) and John Thomas Soppe. She lived most of her childhood in Ovid, Colorado, until the age of 14 when she moved to Denver to attend St. Joseph High School while residing at St. Rose home for professional women. Angela graduated from high school in 1934 and later that year married Earl Earp in Van Meter, Iowa.
Earl and Angela moved to La Crosse for work shortly after they were married. Initially, Angela worked as an in-home care provider before being hired at La Crosse Rubber Mill Factory. In 1938, Angela became a mother and began her career as a stay home mother. In 1959, after the sudden death of her husband, Angela took over his excavation company, Earl Earp & Son’s Construction, and successfully operated the business with her family until she retired in 1981.
Angela was a founding and active member of First Assembly of God Church, now River of Life Church. She taught many children including all seven of her grandchildren in children’s church, Sunday school and many children’s programs. In the late 1970’s early 80’s, Angela also taught children’s church at Chileda where the residents affectionately referred to her as “Grandma.”
Angela loved her family and cooking meals for holidays. She would often look around the room at family gatherings and proudly state, “Look at what Earl and I created.” Angela was her grandchildren’s’ biggest fan and attended their sporting events and concerts.
Angela never re-married but later in life did have a special friend, Charles Tyler. From 1989 until 2006, “Tyler” was a cherished companion and member of the Earp family. Angela and Tyler enjoyed attending church, taking long scenic drives, going out for dinner, watching the Cubs' baseball games on TV, and spending time with family and friends.
Angela lived her last five years of life at Bethany Riverside Lutheran Homes where she was friends with many of the residents and staff. The family would like to thank all the staff at Bethany Riverside for the care and compassion they provided Angela while acknowledging the special care provided by Heather, Stephanie, Claire and Desiree.
Although Angela lived a long and happy life, she will be dearly missed. Survivors include Marvin (Jane) Earp, Earlamae (James) Dahlby, and Steven (Sharon) Earp all of La Crosse; seven grandchildren: Stephanie (John) Butel, West Des Moines, IA; Ty (Sandra) Earp, Onalaska; Bradley (Julie) Earp, Urbandale, IA; Stacey Dahlby, Shoreview, MN; Chis (Selena) Dahlby, Holmen; Jeremy (Paula) Earp, Waunakee; and Nichole (Derrick) Dawson, La Crosse; fourteen great-grandchildren Bryan and Tyler Butel, Ian and Danielle Earp, Dylan, Katelyn, and Evan Earp, Owen, Lauren, and Megan Earp, Samantha and Natalie Dawson, and Cohlton and Corabel Dahlby; and many nieces and nephews. Angela was preceded in death by her parents; husband Earl (1959); brother and sisters: Eva Yaggie (1986 Denver, CO), George Soppe (1981 Carpenter, WY), Irene Townsend (1996 Fremont, CA) and Ruth Forsythe (1997 Denver, CO); and special friend Charles Tyler (2006).
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Friday, January 29th, at River of Life Church, 1214 Cty. Rd. PH, Onalaska. Pastor Francis Jones and Pastor Clark Gage will officiate. Burial will take place in Mormon Coulee Memorial Park. Family and friends may call from 4:00 until 7:00 p.m., Thursday, at Schumacher-Kish Funeral and Cremation Services, 200 West Ave. So., La Crosse, and from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service on Friday at the church.