Ethel Ropson

Our beloved Mother, Ethel, passed away peacefully on March 9, 2019, just 9 days before her 100th birthday. She was born to Joseph and Mary (Germiat) Mongin on March 18, 1919, the second of five children. She graduated from Green Bay East High School Class of 1937. After graduation, she went to work for Mongin Insurance. During World War II, she volunteered as a Red Cross Aide rolling bandages and she was also active in the Community Theater.

She also spent some of her time at her parents’ cottage in Dyckesville. It was there in 1946 that she met her “soldier boy,” Cyrenne Ropson, after he returned from World War II. Without being too obvious, she pursued him by rowing a boat past their cottage and waving at him. He never had a chance. They were married on August 24, 1946 and built their first home in Allouez. There, they welcomed four children and formed a loving family.

Mom enjoyed life. She loved to go to dances, especially at the Bay Beach Pavilion. After their marriage, Mom and Dad joined the Tempo Dance Club and were members for many years. Mom especially loved playing bridge with her neighborhood ladies. Mom and Dad also belonged to a couples bridge club for many years. In the 1970’s, Mom and Dad built a cottage in Townsend and spent many happy times there until the passing of Dad in 2001. Two trips to Hawaii were some of the highlights of their married life.

After Dad passed away, Mom continued to be active. She went on two cruises, one to Alaska and one to the Caribbean, with friends. She also joined the Allouez YMCA where she exercised three times a week with her many friends. She continued to attend until she was 98 years old. Mom always said those were best times of her life. She also drove her car until that time.

Ethel is survived by her four children: Don (Peg), Mike (Laine), Sue (Chris) Brickson, and Mary Gilson. She is further survived by five grandchildren: Cathryn (Eugene) Campbell, Jen Ropson, Tim (Jackie) Brickson, Jeremy (Erin) Gilson, and Sarah (fiance Dayne Bonjean) Gilson; six great-grandchildren: Ava and Gage Brickson, Trey, Coel and Elly Campbell, and Abby Corona. Ethel is also survived by many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband Cyrenne after 55 years of marriage, her beloved grandson Tom Brickson, her parents Joseph and Mary, her sister Mildred (Bob Lom), and her brothers Donald, Robert, Richard and Harold Mongin. She is also preceded by her in-laws, Theo and Mary Ropson, and their family: Joe, Jerry, Goldie, Clarence, and Verna Sheffy.

Family and friends may gather on Friday, March 15, 2019 from 9:00 am to 11:30 am at Resurrection Catholic Church, 333 Hilltop Dr. in Allouez. Mom had a deep devotion to the Blessed Mother, so we will pray the rosary from 11:30-11:45 am. The Mass of Christian burial will be at 12:00 noon. Cotter Funeral and Cremation Care is assisting the family. Online condolences may be offered at www.cotterfuneralhome.com.

The family would like to thank the entire staff at the McCormick Assisted Living and the staff of AseraCare Hospice. Their special care allowed Mom to stay in her apartment right up to the time of her death and we are grateful to them for granting her wishes.