Dennis

Joseph Dennis Popevis, age 89, passed away September 1, 2026 in Monrovia, Maryland.

Dennis was born October 13, 1936 in Sioux City, Iowa, son the of the late Joseph and Beulah (Casper) Popevis. He grew up in Iowa and later made his home in Maryland. He attended Heelan High, Iowa State University, and graduated from Utah State University with degrees in Mathematics and Physics.

With a natural aptitude for science, numbers, and problem-solving, he went on to build a long career in mathematics. For nearly three decades, he worked as a mathematician for the Department of Defense in Washington, D.C. Dennis contributed his mathematical and programming expertise. His work contributed to projects of national and historic significance including programming that supported the effort to land Americans on the Moon as well as Operation Desert Storm. Prior to his work at the Defense Department, he served three years in the U.S. Army.

He was an avid basketball player and also enjoyed keeping up with current events, reading newspapers and articles, storytelling, and playing games. His pride and joy were his children and grandchildren.

Dennis is survived by his wife of 62 years, Kay (Sharum) Popevis; five of their children, Patricia Fergen (Will), Katherine Miller (Kenneth), Christina Fleming (Dale), Rosena Weeks (Derek), and Denise Popevis; seven grandchildren, Christopher Fergen (Shelly), Chad Zell, Timothy (Molly), Kevin, and Jeffrey Fleming, Connor and Natalie Weeks; four great-grandchildren, Maverick, Tanner, Brooks, and Callan Fleming; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his son, Leon and his brother, Leon.

A funeral Mass will be held on Thursday, September 10 at 11a.m. at St. Ignatius of Loyola Catholic Church, 4103 Prices Distillery Road, Ijamsville, Maryland 21754, followed by a private family burial.