Alex ‘AJ’ Shoppa, 50, of Muscatine, passed away on Sunday, September 4, 2022, with his wife Rachel.
A visitation will be held from 2:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. on Sunday, September 11, 2022, at the Vineyard Church on 224 East 3rd Street, Muscatine. Parking will be available in the city lot and street. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to their children, Travis, Kayla, and Melanie, in Alex’s honor. Online condolences may be made at www.wittichfuneralhome.com.
Memorial service will be at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, September 12, 2022, at Vineyard Church. Parking will be available in the riverfront parking lot. The Ralph J. Wittich-Riley-Freers Funeral Home will be assisting the family with arrangements.
Alex was born on May 18, 1972, in Muscatine, the son of Lloyd Sr. and Toni Broderson Shoppa. He married Rachel K. Petersen on November 20, 1999, at Vineyard Church. They had one daughter, Melanie. Together, they raised three children.
Alex attended Muscatine High School, graduating class of 1990. He later went on to graduate with his bachelor’s degree in project management from AIU. Alex worked at HNI for 27 years. He was currently living his dream by owning and operating AJ’s Garage and A & R Motors Inc. with his wife, Rachel.
Alex was an avid boater and camper. He enjoyed traveling with his wife, his children, and grandchildren, classic cars, and motorcycles. He took pride in his work, along with helping family and friends, and with home improvement projects. Alex was an adrenaline junkie and rollercoaster enthusiast. He and Rachel were always there for their family and friends. They were also very active in their church, demonstrating both their deep relationship with God, as well as their love and encouragement toward others. They were always known for their support and generosity for important causes in the community.
He is survived by his children, Travis Benefiel and his wife, Abby, of Mediapolis, Kayla Bartling and her husband, Zach, of Iowa City, and Melanie Shoppa of Iowa City; three grandchildren, Lara, Leah, and Lindi Benefiel; baby boy Bartling who is expected in January; his siblings, Beau Shoppa and his wife, Lissy, and their children of Arizona, Casey Shoppa and his wife, Monica, and their children of Arizona, Lloyd Shoppa Jr. of Davenport, David Quanet of Arizona, and Eric Quanet of Arizona; and his stepmother, Stacy Williams-Shoppa of West Liberty; along with many aunts and uncles; cousins; nieces and nephews; and good friends.
Alex was preceded in death by his wife, Rachel; miscarried baby girl, Abigail; parents, Toni Quanet and Lloyd Shoppa Sr.
