Encyclopedia Dubuque
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SCHOPE, Ronald W.
SCHOPE, Ronald W, Dr. (Chicago, IL, Dec. 2, 1945--Dubuque, IA, October 15, 2025) The second of three sons born to Jean Coyne and Russell Schope, Ronald's early years were spent in Detroit, MI until his family moved to Marion, Iowa where he was a graduate of the 1st four year graduating class in the newly built Linn Mar High School. Ron played baseball and excelled as a varsity pitcher all four years.
During his time at Colorado University, he tried out for the CU Baseball team. After realizing in a hurry baseball for Ron was not going to be a career, transferred to Coe College in Cedar Rapids to pursue a career in medicine. After graduating with a Bachelor’s of Arts Degree, Ron was accepted into the University of Iowa Medical School where he received his Medical Degree in 1971. He continued his medical residency followed by a fellowship in Pulmonary Disease. He received numerous honors including Phi Beta Kappa Honors Degree, Phi Kappa Phi Cum Laude Honors Degree upon graduation in 1967, the John T. McClintock Award for academic achievement in physiology in 1969, and the Annals of Internal Medicine – published recognition by the American College of Physicians. Ron also belonged to Alpha Omega Alpha and Phi Rho Sigma (MU Chapter) Medical fraternity in 1968.
During his time in medical school, Ron met Charlotte Porazil. They were united in marriage on April 4, 1970 at St. Ludmila Catholic Church in Cedar Rapids, IA. They had 55 loving years together. While he was completing his schooling, he and Charlotte lived along the Iowa River in Coralville, IA. If Ron wasn’t boating he could be found on the deck reading his medical books while Charlotte fished. Their love of the water is what inspired them to move to Dubuque where Ron began his specialty in Pulmonary Medicine. He spent 44 years dedicated to all of his patients, showing compassion and empathy.
When his two sons were young, he began coaching the Dubuque Hawks. His dedication to both his family and his work was well known, so much so that his team never batted an eye when he paused a game to take an important call from the hospital.
Although he wasn’t able to make a career of it, baseball remained his favorite sport throughout his life. He later found joy in coaching his grandchildren in baseball, and watching them play hockey and soccer. Ron will be remembered for being a generous man with a kind heart, always eager to treat family and friends to lunch or dinner. He treasured the comfort of his home and was known for his compassion and empathy toward others.
Survivors include his loving wife, Charlotte of Dubuque; two sons, Andrew (Shawna) Schope of Littleton, CO and Adam Schope of Dubuque; five grandchildren, Jake, Dane, Lauren, Tate, Reid; one sister-in-law, Marcia (Bob) Solem of Phoenix; and several nieces and nephews.
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Source:
Dubuque Obituaries. Online