David “Dave” William Schropfer, age 78, passed away peacefully on July 17, 2026 at his home in Casper, Wyoming, surrounded by the love of family and friends.

Dave was born in Laramie, Wyoming to R.W. “Bill” Schropfer and Marjorie (Conard) Schropfer. He graduated from Natrona County High School in 1966 and earned his Engineering degree from the University of Wyoming in 1972. He was a Life Member of ASCE (American Society of Civil Engineers) and a member of WES (Wyoming Engineering Society) where he served as President in 2010. He was a 40 year member of Casper Kiwanis.

In his teenage years, Dave developed a love of farming and spent summers working on his uncles’ farms in Nebraska, building cherished life-long relationships with extended family. He spent three summers and a fall on a custom combine crew harvesting wheat from Oklahoma to Montana and generating stories that entertain his grandkids.

He married Jean in 1970, and they raised two children, Frank and Karen. He enjoyed spending time with family, including kid sport events, family trips, golfing, and fishing a good number of Wyoming streams. Known to his family as Pops the Magnificent, he enjoyed jokes and often shared pearls of wisdom such as “never back up” and “life is a physics lesson”.

Dave began his career working for engineering firms in Denver and earned his PE (Professional Engineer License). After moving back to Casper, Dave and Gary Olson established Olson and Schropfer Consulting Engineers. Deb Schultz Grimes later became their partner, and they became Structural Solutions. Their legacy includes buildings and bridges all over the state, but he was most proud of the employees they helped train into accomplished engineers of their own right.

Dave believed life is analysis and communication. He read extensively on topics from current events to history and adventure to geology. He loved discussions with family and his large group of close friends, with whom he reconnected frequently. Dave enjoyed his time with family and friends immensely – as much as he enjoyed operating big diesel equipment on the farms.

Dave is survived by his wife Jean, their two children: Frank Schropfer (wife Sonal) and Karen Peterson, three grandchildren: Annika and Natalie Peterson and Kai Schropfer, two sisters: Linda Griggs and Beth Wiley, a niece Susan Ward (husband Tim) and nephew Richard Wiley (wife Kristin), three grandnephews and two grandnieces, and numerous Cousins.

When asked, “how would you like to be remembered”, Dave replied, “fondly and for a long time.” In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that donations be made to Central Wyoming Hospice and Transitions, 319 S Wilson Street, Casper, WY 82601.