Service Information
Norine A. Roepke, age 86, of Hutchinson, Minnesota, passed away on Saturday, September 13, 2025, at her home in Hutchinson.
Memorial Service will be Monday, September 22, 2025, 11:00 A.M., at St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church, Fernando, rural Stewart, Minnesota, with interment in the church cemetery.
Gathering of Family and Friends will be Sunday, September 21, 2025, from 5:00-8:00 P.M., at Dobratz-Hantge Funeral Chapel in Hutchinson, and will continue one hour prior to the service at the church.
Obituary
Norine Agnes Roepke was born on May 9, 1939, in Collins Township, Minnesota. She was the daughter of Clarence and Loretta (Kasten) Ruschmeyer. Norine was baptized as an infant and later confirmed in her faith as a youth, both at First Lutheran Church in Glencoe, Minnesota. She grew up in New Auburn Township south of Glencoe, Minnesota. Norine received her education in Glencoe and was a graduate of the Glencoe High School class of 1957.
On June 5, 1958, Norine was united in marriage to Lyle Roepke at First Lutheran Church in Glencoe, by Reverend A.H. Fellwock. This marriage was blessed with three sons, Randy, Brian and Rick. Norine and Lyle made their home on the family farm in rural Fernando, Minnesota, and later moved to Hutchinson, Minnesota. They shared 56 years of marriage until Lyle passed away on February 4, 2015.
Norine’s life was a quiet testament to love, faith, and kindness. She poured her heart into her family—whether working side by side with Lyle on the farm or simply being present with those she loved most. Her steady hands and selfless spirit helped build the family’s farming operation, all while making sure her boys never missed the chance to play sports and be involved in school activities. She adored the family’s farm dogs and cats and, later in life, the grand-dogs and great-grand-dogs who brought her endless joy. In her later years, she found her greatest joy cheering from the bleachers at her grandchildren’s and great-grandchildren’s events, celebrating every milestone with pride and love.
Faith was the foundation of everything Norine did. A devoted member of St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church in Fernando, she served on church council and numerous committees, always offering her time, care, and listening ear. She also gave to her wider community—volunteering at Harmony River Living Center, serving on the board of Greencastle, and donating an astonishing 23 gallons of blood over her lifetime. Known by everyone as one of the kindest souls they had ever met, Norine had a gentle way of making people feel seen and cared for, always putting the needs and well-being of others ahead of her own.
Norine passed away on Saturday, September 13, 2025, at her home in Hutchinson, at the age of 86 years.
She leaves behind a legacy of love, faith, and kindness that will forever live on in the hearts of those who knew her, and we take comfort knowing that her gentle soul is now at peace with her Maker. Blessed be her memory.
Norine is survived by her sons and their families:
Randy and Deb Roepke of Nevis, MN, and their children,
Aaron and Alicia Roepke (Jordanna and Auston), and Kyle and Shawna Roepke (Wesley, Calvin, and Vienna);
Brian and Jody Roepke of Hutchinson, MN, and their children, Matt and Kristen Roepke (Bennett) and Nicole and Jake McLain (Shepherd);
Rick and Kristin Roepke of Silver Lake, MN, and their children, Gabriel (special friend, Lexi Hansch) Roepke, Maren Roepke, Luke Roepke;
Siblings, Sylvia (LeRoy) Lewin, Clifford (Carolyn) Ruschmeyer, LeRoy (Linda) Ruschmeyer, Roberta Yukel;
Sisters-in-law, Marlene Roepke and Valeria Uecker;
Many other relatives, nieces, nephews, and friends.
Norine is preceded in death by her Parents, Clarence and Loretta Ruschmeyer; Husband, Lyle Roepke; Mother and Father-in-law, Ervin and Clara Roepke; Brothers-in-law, Lloyd Roepke, Charles Roepke, Walter Roepke, and Dale Yukel; Sister-in-law, Rita Roepke.
Darla Plevell (Genz) says
My condolences to Norine’s family & friends. I attended St. Matthew’s growing up and always admired Lyle & Norine. I pray for healing & comfort during your time of grieving.
Arlene (Schwartz) Keske says
Randy, Brian and Rick:
My prayers and sympathy to you and your families. I worked many times with Norine at church functions.
Robin Rae Klopp says
Sorry to hear of Norine’s passing. I worked with her at HTI for a bit and she was so sweet!
Charlie and Kim Schimmelpfennig says
Our sympathies to the Roepke families.
Becky Krulikosky says
You are in my thoughts and my prayers . My condolences and sympathy to Norines family during this difficult time. She touched so many lives in so many beautiful ways and will be missed .
Luke and Shyann Topel says
Our family will truly miss her. Norine sat behind us in church and even though we felt the need to apologize for our two small children from time to time, Norine would always reassure us she raised children once upon a time and that she was happy they were there. Many times we’d look behind us and she was smiling at their boisterous singing and squirms. She even had company from time to time in her pew as our children wanted to sit by her. She will be greatly missed.
Al & Pat Trocke says
We are so very sorry for your loss!
Over the last few yrs we saw Norine often, cheering on our Grandsons!
She was so much fun to be around! Always a smile on her face! The pride & love she had for her family was so evident.. I was sorry knowing that with Luke graduating we wouldn’t see her anymore…
You have our deepest sympathy.
Barb Alsleben says
My deepest sympathy to the family. Norine was such a joy and comfort. I got to know her when working for LSS, but counted her as a friend. She will be missed. Rest in peace.
Angie Zumach says
Deepest and most sincere sympathy to the entire Roepke family..I have been honored and blessed to have had Norine as a client, friend,and someone whom we could talk about pretty much everything as we did, covered it all ,the love for her family, baseball,the cabin, Fernando church ,a bit of politics and everything in between and did I mention baseball??..i will miss Norine’s infectious smile, her kind heart, words of wisdom and our “very important”every 4 week visits!