Leona Ruth (Mau) Brockopp
PORTAGE -- Leona Ruth (Mau) Brockopp, age 85, was called home to be with her Lord and Savior on August 30, 2024, in Portage, Wisconsin. She was formerly from the southwest suburban Chicago area.
Leona was born in Chicago, Illinois, October 22, 1938, to the late Rev. John and Leona (Plummer) Mau. After growing up in Broomall, PA, she returned home to Chicago with her family where she was a devoted member of the Lutheran Church and loved leading church services as church organist and choir director at Bethel Lutheran Church, in Evergreen Park, IL and Christ’s Mission Church in Manhattan, IL. After retirement, Leona married her longtime friend, Rev. Dr. Daniel Brockopp, and resided in Portage, WI.Leona graduated from the American Conservatory of Music in 1960, and throughout her lifetime used her many musical talents to offer praise and thanksgiving to her Lord. She was an elementary school music teacher who loved children and taught them the gift of music and music appreciation. Year after year, she facilitated many musical programs in the district while teaching at many locations at Chicago Christian Schools in the southern Chicagoland suburbs. She joyfully sang and performed in numerous choirs, including the Lutheran Choir of Chicago, and many music groups throughout her life, dedicating her musical talents to uplifting others, and sharing her deep faith with all.
Her parents preceded her in death along with her beloved husband, Rev. Dr. Daniel Brockopp. She is also preceded in death by her brother, Rev. Dr. Dwayne Mau of New York and Florida, and her great-nephew, Brandon Woods.
Leona is survived by her brother, John (Diane) Mau, Dallas, GA; by her sister, Deborah (Rev. Keith) Leininger, Manhattan, Il.; and Janice Mau, sister-in-law and wife of the late Rev. Dr. Dwayne Mau, brother, Oviedo, FL. Many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews enjoyed the special times they had with their “Aunt Loni.” She always had a special place in her life for all of them. Her joyful disposition, friendly smile, and warm hugs always welcomed those around her. In her late years, she embraced and loved her husband Dan’s family, as if they were her own.
Funeral services will be held on September 9, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. with a visitation prior to the service from 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. at St. John’s Lutheran Church, 850 Armstrong St., Portage, WI. The Rev. Greg Hovland will conduct the service, and a light lunch will be served after the service. Burial will be at St. Luke Cemetery in Chicago, IL, at a later date. A memorial service will be held at Christ's Mission, Manhattan, IL, at a later date, for those in the Chicago area.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to:
Pflanz Mendrala Funeral Home in Portage is assisting the family.
