Alan Chopp

Alan was called home into the arms of the Lord on Sunday, April 28th, at Edenbrook in Rochester, MN.

Alan Clark Chopp was born on December 31st 1953 in Saint Paul, MN to William Chopp and Eileen (Jackson) Chopp Norton. He grew up in a loving family in Arden Hills, and later in Rochester, MN. Bohemian in spirit, Alan, or ‘Al’ as most knew him, was a humble and generous guy, with a sense of humor and quick to share his vast knowledge. Free wheeling, he attended school mainly in Rochester, but receiving his high school diploma at East Jefferson High School in Metairie, Louisiana under watch of his mother and stepfather. A rambling man, he explored this world in search of life, finding the Lord, and did mission work which took him to Florida, Missouri, and Alaska.

While doing missionary work, he worked in law enforcement as a deputy sheriff for Jefferson Parish, Louisiana working as a jailor and security at New Orleans International Airport. In 1983, he met the love of his life, Joy (Farace) and soon was married in 1984. Later that year, they brought their only daughter Shama Lynette into the world.  Wanting to try his hand in being a barber, he and his wife moved to Mississippi and opened their own barber shop with little Shama pushing around a broom twice her size, helping the family out. The apple of his eye, Shama and Al were thick as thieves and as a family unit the three returned north to try for a new life in Minnesota. Back home in Rochester, Al took a position at Saint Mary’s Hospital as a resident barber, lowing the ears of doctors, dignitaries, appreciative patients, and all in between.

Al was known and loved throughout the community and Saint Mary’s.  Health issues took their toll later, and sadly Al had to step away from the barber chair. After retirement, Al enjoyed staying in touch with friends and family, quality time spent with his adored wife, watching his daughter graduate from the University of Minnesota, and spending his time studying the cosmos, observing the birds, spending time with family, attending concerts, celebrating birthdays, and in 2023, walking his beloved daughter down the aisle in her wedding to a man he loved and respected.

Al is survived by his dear wife, Joy (Farace) Chopp, beloved daughter Shama Chopp (Jesse Wheeler), his Grand pup Spike, stepmother Barbara Chopp, sister Kathy (Ron) Wobbeking , brother Bill Chopp, sister in law Dawn (Mel) Mann, sister in law Jeanette Farace, along with scores of nieces and nephews, countless friends and honorary ‘children’.

He is preceded in death by parents Dr. William Chopp and Eileen Norton, stepfather Dr. John Norton, and his beloved Grand pup Dexter.

The Chopp family would like to extend their eternal gratitude to the staff at Edenbrook in Rochester for their excellent care, as well as Olmsted Medical Center, and Mayo Clinic, Saint Mary’s Hospital for all of their care and support.  In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the American Heart Association.