Virgil W. Roepke

Obituary

Virgil Walter Roepke was born on March 13, 1932, in Stewart, Minnesota. He was the son of Bernhard and Lillie (Schiroo) Roepke. He was baptized on April 3, 1932, and later confirmed in his faith as a youth on April 14, 1946, both at St. Matthew Lutheran Church in Round Grove Township, Stewart, Minnesota. He received his education through the 8^th grade at a country school in rural Stewart.

On April 23, 1958, Virgil was united in marriage to Joan Grochow at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Gaylord, Minnesota. The couple made their home on the family farm in Gaylord. In 2010, the couple moved to Glencoe and most recently became residents of Grand Meadows Senior Living in Glencoe, Minnesota. Virgil and Joan’s marriage was blessed with three children, Kimberly, Amy, and Lonnie. They shared more than 65 years of marriage.

Virgil was a lifelong farmer. Always one to keep busy, Virgil was employed as a bus driver for the Gaylord Public School District for 25 years. He was also employed at Crystal Farms as a semi-driver for over 18 years. Virgil was an active member of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Gaylord.

Virgil enjoyed playing the concertina, listening to music, and dancing. He loved to collect toy tractors. Virgil also enjoyed relaxing and watching the television. Virgil cherished the time he spent with his family and socializing with his friends.

Virgil passed away on June 16, 2023, surrounded by his family at GlenFields Living With Care in Glencoe at the age of 91 years.

Blessed be his memory.

Virgil is survived by his:
Wife, Joan Roepke of Glencoe, MN;
Children, Kimberly Gasow and her husband, Dan, of Shakopee, MN,
                Amy Messner and her fiancé, Matt Rolf, of Glencoe, MN,
                Lonnie Roepke and his wife, Terri, of Lake Norden, SD;
Grandchildren, Tanner Gasow and his wife, Nina, Janaya Wood and her husband, Tyler, Mitchell Rolf and his special friend, Clara;
Great-grandchildren, Graham, June, and Elias Gasow, Easton, Bauer, and Brooks Wood, Baby Wood due October 2023;
Step-grandchildren, Dustin Marlette and his wife, Amanda, Shane Specht and his wife, Amanda, Miranda Korpela and her husband, Marques;
Step-great-grandchildren, Alka, Millie, and Eli Marlette, Lydia and Corbin Specht, Layla, and Jaida Korpela;
Sisters-in-law, Karen Roepke, Doris Roepke, Sharon Roepke, Lois Siemer;
Special Family, Brenda and Robert Gruenhagen;
Many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

Virgil was preceded in death by his parents, Bernhard and Lillie Roepke; Brothers, Willmer (Ordell) Roepke, Melvin (Adeline) Roepke, Arnold Roepke, Glen Roepke, Maynard Roepke, Loren Roepke, and Edwin Roepke in infancy.