Dr. Ronald Schope

Dr. Ronald Schope

Dubuque

Dr. Ronald W. Schope, 79, of Dubuque, died on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, at his home in Dubuque. The Mass of Christian Burial for Ronald will be at 11:00 am on Friday, October 24, 2025, at St. Anthony Catholic Church with Father Steven Rosonke as the Celebrant.

Ronald was born in Chicago, IL on December 2, 1945, the second of three sons to Jean Coyne and Russell Schope. His early years were spent in Detroit, MI until his family moved to Marion, IA where he was a graduate of the first four-year graduating class in the newly built Linn Mar High School. Ron played baseball and excelled as a varsity pitcher all four years. Throughout his youth his family would travel every summer; a family favorite was Estes Park, CO where he fell in love with the Rocky Mountains which then inspired him to go to the University of Colorado-Boulder where he majored in Engineering, following in his father’s footsteps. During his time at CU, he tried out for the CU Baseball team. After realizing in a hurry baseball for Ron was not going to be a career, he knew his focus should be on academics instead of baseball. He realized he wanted to be closer to family so he then transferred to Coe College to pursue a career in medicine. After graduating with a Bachelor 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 and received numerous honors including, Phi Beta Kappa Honors Degree and 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 the love of his life, 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 you could find him 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. No matter how busy life became, Ron always made time for his family. 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. Ron had a deep appreciation for nature, especially the beauty of the mountains and trees, and he took great pride in caring for his lawn with his riding mower. 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. Ron was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers; and three sisters-in-law.

Memorials may be given to the Miracle League of Dubuque, 6076 Amber Ridge Road, Dubuque, IA 52001 or a charity of your choice. The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank-you to all who cared for Dr. Schope.

Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home and Crematory is in care of the arrangements. Condolences can be sent to the family by visiting Ronald's obituary at www.hskfhcares.com.