Rhiel Funeral Home & Cremation Services Offering dignified services since 1919

Back to Obituaries

DJ Pophal

DJ Pophal

Dejon “DJ” Pophal, age 54 of Durand, died Saturday, July 20, 2024 at his home in Durand with his family by his side after a courageous battle with cancer.

DJ was born on April 4, 1970 in Merrill. He was the son of David Pophal and Mary Savaske. At a young age, DJ moved with his family to Eau Claire where he grew up and graduated from North High School in 1988. While in high school, DJ excelled in sports. DJ was an all-conference quarterback for North and was the point guard on the 1987 basketball team that went to state. He made the last second game winning shot to make it to state. After high school, DJ attended Chippewa Valley Technical College where he attained his degree in accounting. DJ met the love of his life, Kelly Bauer, at the Hilltop Bar in Eau Claire in 1993. They were married on October 14, 2000 in Eau Claire. DJ and Kelly had their first daughter, Emily, in 2002 while living in Eau Claire. They moved to Durand in 2004, where their second daughter, Kailyn, was born in 2007. DJ worked at his family’s business, Gilbertson’s Cleaners, in Eau Claire from 1998 until 2022 when he retired due to his illness.

DJ had a passion for Wisconsin sports, watching the Brewers, Packers, Badgers and Bucks. He enjoyed music, playing cribbage, hunting and golfing. Most of all, DJ loved being a family man; he never missed his daughters’ school or sport events, he enjoyed being around his family and his dog Reggie.

DJ is survived by his wife of 24 years, Kelly; two daughters, Emily and Kailyn; mother Mary Gilbertson of Eau Claire; father and stepmom David and Linda Pophal of Chippewa Falls; siblings, Suzanne (Jeremy) Crowell of Eau Claire and Justin (Greta) Grensing of Oakdale, MN; lifelong dear friend, Clay Timm of Chetek; close friend, Susan Sanda of Edina, MN; many nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.

A Celebration of Life will be held from 4:00PM-8:00PM Friday, July 26, 2024 at the Rhiel Funeral Home in Durand.

Rhiel Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Durand, is serving the family.

Condolences

  1. Jane (Heckendorf) Riutta

    Dear Dave, Mary & families,
    My prayers and offerings are with you as you walk the difficult journey of bereavement! DJ is remembered fondly from your time in Merrill! I think of you all often! God’s love and blessings always,
    My sincere sympathy.
    Janie

  2. Greta Austin (Hagen)

    My deepest condolences to the family.
    I wish you all well during this time of loss.

  3. Bob and Patty (Pophal) Murphy

    Dave and Mary-We are so sorry to hear about DJ's passing. Please accept our deepest sympathy.

  4. Fran and Stacy King

    Fran and I send our heartfelt condolences to Kelly and the girls, and all of DJs family. He fought the good fight for so long and I hope there may be comfort in knowing that he is finally free of pain and at peace. All our love goes out to the Pophal and Crowell families. You are in our thoughts and prayers.

  5. Cindy I Kolpien

    My deepest sympathies in your loss of DJ. I was a classmate of DJ's at CVTC when studying for our Accounting Degree. Was also a client of Gilbertson Cleaners in the early 2000's. Then in the most recent years would see him at girl's basketball games as I was the JV coach for Fall Creek.

    Many prayers being lifted to you and your entire family as your mourn his loss!

    Cindy Kolpien

  6. marge binkowski

    Kelly and family; So very sorry for your loss.

  7. Barbara Hanson

    So sorry to hear about DJ

  8. Kathy Hutter Messier

    Prayers for the Pophal family.

  9. Cheryl Biesterveld

    I'm so sorry to hear about DJ, I worked with him while employed at Gilbertsons, he had a totally awesome sense of humor, it was a pleasure to have known him, with a deep heart, to kelly, girls, and his family you have my sympathy and prayers, God bless.

  10. Jason Knetter

    DJ was one of my biggest mentors. As a junior and senior QB, I looked up and tried to live up to his standard of sportsmanship, leadership, and excellence!!! You were a "Man Amongst Boys" DJ Pophal! You will be dearly missed. May you rest in peace and be free of pain. Megan and I send our deepest condolences. Our thoughts and prayers are with DJ and his family and friends. ✌️✌️✌️❤️❤️❤️????????????

  11. Sophia Patchin

    I am so so very sorry for your families loss! My thoughts and prayers are with you through this difficult time! God Bless!

  12. Sherry Grant

    I am so sorry to hear of the passing of DJ. I lived next door to him and Kelly for many years. We played golf together and had many bonfires together. He will be missed greatly. My heart goes out to Kelly and the girls. Love you all...Sherry Grant

  13. Shannon Johnson

    Deepest sympathy. Prayers to family and friends. He was a strong man and I am grateful for all the support he received.

View More Posts ( # )