Service Information
Rita Roepke, age 83, of Hutchinson, Minnesota, passed away on Thursday, April 9, 2020, at her home in Hutchinson.
Private Family Graveside Service will be held on Saturday, April 18, 2020, at St. Matthews Lutheran Cemetery in Fernando, Minnesota.
Memorials may be directed to 250 Freemont Ave SE Apt. 132 Hutchinson, MN 55350.
Obituary
Rita Kathryn Roepke was born on September 9, 1936, in Le Sueur, Minnesota. She was the daughter of Frank and Rose (Herschman) Riebel. Rita was baptized as an infant and was later confirmed. She attended country school in St. Henry and was a graduate of Le Center High School in 1954. Rita furthered her education at Mankato Business School. After she finished her schooling in Mankato, she moved to Minneapolis and began working as a secretary at Honeywell where she was employed for 16 years.
On April 15, 1961, Rita was united in marriage to Lloyd Roepke in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Their marriage was blessed with three children, Patti, Jeff and Jennifer. Rita and Lloyd resided in Golden Valley until moving to their farm south of Brownton, Minnesota, in 1972. In 1983, they moved off the farm and into their home in Brownton. They shared 40 years of marriage until Lloyd passed away in May of 2001.
After working as a farmwife for eleven years, Rita began working as a benefits specialist at Hutchinson Technology Inc. in 1981. She worked there for 20 years before retiring in 2001.
She was a member of St. Matthews Lutheran Church in Fernando, Minnesota.
Rita enjoyed spending time at her timeshare at Breezy Point, traveling, and attending card club. One of her favorite places to visit was Grand Marais. She had a passion and talent for making quilts. She marked many special occasions with the gift of a quilt. These will be cherished keepsakes for friends and family forever.
Family was the center of Rita’s life. Spending time with her children, grandchildren and great-grandchild was what she cherished most. She was a devoted cheerleader at her grandkids’ swim and track meets, hockey, basketball, lacrosse, volleyball and soccer games. She was generous with her time and talents and always put family first. She will be missed.
Rita passed away on Thursday, April 9, 2020, at her home at Greencastle in Hutchinson, at the age of 83 years. Blessed be her memory.
Rita is survived by her:
Children, Patti (Greg) Stoeckmann of Farmington, MN,
Jeff (Kym) Roepke of Colfax, ND,
Jennifer (Larry) Trettin of Stewart, MN;
Grandchildren, Emily (Ben) Theis, Mackenzie (Kyle) Hoffman, Katelyn Roepke, Alex Trettin,
Nick (Carissa) Roepke, Eric Stoeckmann, Tyler Trettin;
Great Granddaughter, Ainsley Hoffman;
Many other relatives and friends.
Rita is preceded in death by her Parents, Frank and Rose Riebel; Husband, Lloyd Roepke; Siblings Betty King, Pat Riebel, Eddie Riebel, and many close friends.
Connie Timm says
Rita was such a sweet lady. She will be missed. Hugs to all!!
Rhonda Crotteau says
My deepest sympathy. My prayers and thoughts are with all of you. Rhonda Crotteau
Jo Ann & Wayne Burke says
Jo Ann and I send our condolences to Rita’s family.
We have many fond memories of having Rita in our lives. We hope Rita enjoyed sharing many enjoyable chapters in life’s journey as we are very happy to have had her in our lives.
God bless Rita and her family.
Twyla & Chuck says
Our deepest sympathy. I always enjoyed talking with Rita, since we both were so good at it! Bleesed be her memories. Thoughts and prayers to all of Rita’s Families.
Doug Riebel says
Beautiful until the end.
Karen Raske says
My sympathy and prayers to Rita’s family. I had the pleasure of working with her and even after she always had a smile. Such a positive and classy lady.
Jonny Block says
Hi Jeff/Jen and family… So sorry to hear of Rita’s passing – just seeing her picture again brought a genuine smile to my face – as I’m sure it did to many, many others. Rest in peace, Rita – your smile will be missed…
Rosy Geiss says
My Deepest sympathy. Always loved taking to Rita at work and after we retired. Loved dog sitting for her when she went to Breezy Point.
Delores Schons says
I was privileged to become a friend and neighbor to Rita when she moved to Greencastle! We shared many chats, coffees, and card games. She shared her sewing talents by turning my husband’s T-shirts into beloved keepsakes for our grandchildren. She was a wonderful lady and friend. My sympathies to her family. Do know I will miss her dearly.
Linda says
We had so many wonderful times and alot of memories I will treasure forever. I love you Rita and will so miss our phone visits.
Colleen Wagner says
Sorry to hear and sympathies to the family. I enjoyed knowing and working with Rita at HTI. Always so nice!
Amy Rettig says
So sad to see the news about Rita. So many memories of Bible studies and working together in the kitchen at St. Matthew’s in Fernando! My condolences to her family.
Rita Nau says
I so enjoyed the times we had together at the shop. She was devoted to her family.
She always had news of what they were up to.
Her sweet smile is what I remember most.
Darcy says
Dear Jeff and family,
It was sad to see that you lost your lovely mother, Rita Roepke.
Whenever I met her, she brightened the day.
Darcy
Ella Kruse says
I got to know Rita at HTI many years ago. She was such a character and a true class act; I always loved talking to her:)
Sympathies to Rita’s Family…
Tammy Quandt says
My deepest sympathies to Rita’s family. She was a wonderful woman. I was blessed to have gotten to know and spend time with her. May she rest in peace.
Vickie Rudolph says
I worked with Rita for many years at HTI in HR. Rita was always gracious, friendly and had time to listen to anyone. I always had great respect for her. I know she will be missed but the memories will forever be there.