Craig R. Roepke

Obituary

Craig Ronald Roepke, better known as Moose, 68 passed away on October 28, 2021, at his home in Buffalo Lake, MN.

Craig “Moose” Roepke was born on June 30, 1953, to Edwin and Effie (Nelson) Roepke in Olivia, MN. Craig was the youngest of fifteen children. He attended school in Buffalo Lake and graduated in 1971. After school, Craig worked at Iowa Pork Industries processing plant in Buffalo Lake. He worked there from 1974 to 1985. While working at Iowa Pork Industries, Craig met his future wife, Lois. Craig and Lois (Hlavka) were married June 24, 1978 at the Methodist Church in Buffalo Lake. When he married Lois, Craig also became a father to her daughter Jennifer Lyn. A year and a half after their marriage their first daughter together was born. Mandy Jo was born November 1979. In June 1981 their second daughter, Kristen Lea, was born. In 1985, Craig worked for the Buffalo Lake school district as a bus driver for special needs children. In 1990, Craig started a full-time custodial position for the Buffalo Lake - Hector school district at the Hector site. In 2011, he transferred to the Buffalo Lake site and on June 30, 2015 Craig retired from BL-H school district.

Craig enjoyed playing slow-pitch softball and later, when he couldn’t play anymore, Craig coached. He also loved shooting pool. In the summer, Craig could be found out at the campground with his family where he developed a love for bean bag toss. Craig also enjoyed hunting. Craig also loved to talk, as he had the gift of gab and could talk to absolutely anyone.

Craig is survived by his: wife, Lois Roepke, of Buffalo Lake, MN; daughters, Kristen Roepke, of Buffalo Lake, MN, Mandy Beich and her husband Ryan, of Buffalo Lake, MN, and Jennifer Wolverton and her husband Chip of Gaylord, MN; grandchildren: Cole Bruhn, Ryan Wolverton, Calan Roepke, Gabe Beich, Payton Wolverton, Tatum Beich, Paul Biech and Taite Knutson; God-daughter, Tiffany Nelson, her husband Chris and two daughters Emma and Nels of Fergus Falls, MN; siblings: Eileen O’Toole of West St. Paul, MN, Virginia Maher of Centerville, MN, Shirley Patten (Dale) of Gaylord, MN, Caroline Adams (Bruce), of Ham Lake, MN, Verna Johnson (Jim) of Hector, MN, Edwin Roepke Jr. (Dianne) of Zimmerman, MN, Donald Roepke (Kay) of Shoreview, MN, Steven Roepke (Joan) of Isanti, MN, Cynthia Pine (Gene) of St. Cloud, MN, Gene Roepke (Patti) of Aitken, MN; Brother-in-law, Milan Dummer of Cosmos, MN; Many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Craig was preceded in death by his parents, Edwin and Effie Roepke; sisters, Muriel Dummer and Marjorie Brandt and her husband, Robert, Darlene Klubunde and her husband, Ivan; brothers, Duayne Roepke and his wife, Glenda; niece, Kerry Rugroden; nephews, Gene Roepke Jr., Rob Brandt, Tracy Johnson, and Scott Dummer.

Craig’s Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, November 13, 2021, at 11:00. It will be held at 131 2nd Street NE Buffalo Lake, MN. If you are unable to attend but would like to send condolences please send them to Lois Roepke P.O. Box 162 Buffalo Lake, MN.