Kristy L. Ropiak

She was born in Ely, Minn., on June 27, 1962, to the late LeRoy and Ione (Hederick) Domarus. Kristy was raised in Babbitt, Minn., graduated from Babbitt High School in 1980, and married her high school sweetheart, Joe Ropiak, on Jan. 31, 1981.

Kristy and Joe moved to Michigan to be closer to loved ones while raising their family. Ever compassionate, Kristy worked a variety of jobs while caring for their children and pursuing her lifelong dream of becoming a nurse — first achieving her LPN and later her RN degree. She poured her dedication and care not only into her family but also into the community she diligently and proudly served.

Though she was passionate about her work, she found her joy living the Northwoods way of life and caring for animals. She spent time foraging and canning wild berries and mushrooms, boating on all of the local lakes and rivers, and took pride in processing the deer that Joe would bring home from his hunts. Her deep love for animals was evident throughout her life, especially in the ways she cared for and nurtured her dogs, granddogs, and horses.

Above all, Kristy loved to make her surroundings feel like home for those she loved most. There was nothing she cherished more than spending time with family and friends. She enjoyed cheering on her children and grandchildren at their sporting events and wore the title of “hockey mom” with pride. She loved being lakeside at the family cabin, gathering for family dinners and cookouts, and sitting by the campfire. She was always quick with a laugh and great stories — but her purest joy was found in being a grandma.

Kristy’s love and presence will be deeply missed by her husband of 43 years, Joe Ropiak; four children, Nicole Wrock, Jonica (David) Rucinski, Peter (Abigail) Ropiak, and Devin (Tony) Lind-Chamberlin; seven grandchildren, Nickolas Wrock, Leroy Wrock, Josephine Rucinski, Liza Rucinski, Austyn (Kelly) Lind, Ezra Chamberlin, and Avryl Chamberlin; great-grandchild Finley Lind; seven siblings, Judy Tilton, Jerry Domarus, Nancy Domarus, Kathy Jackson, Lisa Robinson, Tammy Sarazin, and John Domarus; many nieces and nephews; and a network of friends who felt like family.

Kristy’s family would like to thank the dedicated and compassionate staff of Mayo Clinic as well as all of the family, friends, and community that have offered support.

An intimate Celebration of Life will be held next summer at the family cabin — a gathering of all her favorite people, in her favorite place and season. May we all follow her example and live simply, bloom wildly.

Condolences may be expressed to the family of Kristy L. Ropiak online at www.nashfuneralhome.net.

The family has entrusted the Nash Funeral Home of Crystal Falls with the arrangements.