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Gladys E. Roepke Obituary – 4/17/2013


Gladys Elsie Roepke, age 92, of Glencoe, died Wednesday, April 17, 2013, at her home at Orchard Estates in Glencoe.

She was born Aug. 24, 1920, in Helen Township, Minnesota, the daughter of Henry and Erbie (Milbrandt) Von Berge. Gladys was baptized as an infant Sept. 12, 1920, and was later confirmed in her faith as a youth March 25, 1934, both by the Rev. R. J. Duesterhoeft at St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Helen Township.

Gladys received her education at a country school.

She was united in marriage to Loren A. Roepke Sept. 3, 1939, by the Rev. R. J. Duesterhoeft at St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Helen Township. This union was blessed with five children, Marlen, Darlene, Roger, Noreen, and Joan.

After living on their farm with their family in Round Grove Township, Gladys and Loren made their home in Glencoe. They shared over 45 years of marriage, until Loren passed away Dec. 22, 1984.

In addition to being a loving homemaker, mother, and wife, Gladys helped on their farm. After moving to Glencoe, she worked at Franklin Printing and the ASCS office in Glencoe. In 1985, Gladys worked part time for her son, Roger, in the State Farm Insurance office in Cokato for 12 years.

She was a faithful member of Christ Lutheran Church in Glencoe.

Gladys joined the Kitchen Band in 1994, and enjoyed playing with them until they folded in 2006.

She also enjoyed dancing with her friends, traveling, and fishing with her children and grandchildren. Gladys especially cherished the time spent with her family and friends.

Gladys is survived by her children, Marlen Roepke and his wife, Nancy, of Houston, TX, Darlene Kirchoff and her husband, Ed, of Plymouth, Roger Roepke and his wife, Joyce, of Cokato, Noreen Prinkey of Hutchinson, and Joan Dose and her husband, Kenny, of Arlington; grandchildren Steve Roepke and his wife, Lee; Terri Roepke, Charles Kirchoff and his wife, Diana; Edward Kirchoff and his wife, Michelle; Carolyn Kirchoff, Gregory Prinkey and his wife, Tasha; Jeffrey Prinkey and his wife, Tammy; Kelli Palmquist and her husband, Tad; Rebecca Kranz and her husband, Preston; Laura Streich and her husband, Aaron; Jodi Kieser and her husband, Josh; Steve Rice, Brent Rice and his wife, Karna; Leigh Sandgren and her husband, Troy; and Lynn Anderson and her husband, Scott.

She is further survived by 28 great-grandchildren, with one due in July; one great-great-grandchild; nieces, nephews, other relatives, and many friends.

In addition to her husband, Loren, Gladys was preceded in death by her parents, Henry and Erbie Von Berge; a grandson, Paul Roepke; a brother, Ernie Von Berge; and a special friend, Maynerd Rennecke.

Funeral services took place Wednesday, April 24 at 11 a.m. at Christ Lutheran Church in Glencoe, followed by interment at St. Paul’s Lutheran Cemetery in Stewart. The Rev. Katherine Rood officiated at the services. The organist was Bonnie Westmiller. Duets were performed by Carolyn and Charles Kirchoff, “This Garden Will Grow” and “I Can Only Imagine;” and by Becky and Preston Kranz, “I Don’t Need To Understand.” Special music was provided by Kenny Dose, who performed a concertina medley. The congregational hymn was “Here I Am Lord.”

Gladys’ grandchildren and step-grandchildren were honorary casket bearers.

Charles Kirchoff, Steve Roepke, Gregory Prinkey, Tad Palmquist, Preston Kranz, Edward Kirchoff, and Jeffrey Prinkey were casket bearers.

Arrangements were by the Johnson-McBride Funeral Chapel of Glencoe. Online obituaries and guest book are available at www.hantge.com; click on Obituaries/Guest Book.

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