1396 – 2025
Deceased’s Full Name: Darrel D. Roepke
Date of Birth: 2/20/1936
Location of Passing: Edina, MN
Date of Passing: 2/5/2025
Biographical Information:
Darrel Roepke, 88 of Edina passed away peacefully on February 5th, 2025. He was born February 20, 1936 to Henry and Charlotte (Orkowski) Roepke in Chaska, Minnesota. The second of three boys, Darrel had fond memories of growing up in Chaska, where he was co-captain of the Chaska High School basketball team and made many lifelong friendships.
Darrel proudly served his country in the United States Air Force. He was stationed at Foster Air Force Base in Victoria, Texas where he served in the base’s administrative offices.
Upon returning to Minnesota, Darrel worked briefly for American Crystal Sugar, took classes at the Minnesota School of Business, and enjoyed participating in the Chaska Drum & Bugle Corps. He joined the Minneapolis office of Midwest Federal Savings and Loan in the early 1960’s. It was there that he met his sweetheart, Arlene Leininger. They were married in 1966 at St John’s Lutheran Church – the church in which Darrel was baptized and confirmed
Darrel and Arlene raised two boys in the Edina home where they resided for 50 years. He was a devoted husband, father and grandfather who enjoyed playing and watching sports, supporting his boys and grandchildren, caring for the family home and yard, traveling with family and friends, and entertaining at home.
St. Michael’s Lutheran Church in Bloomington has been the family’s church home since the mid-1960s and Darrel served there in various capacities. Darrel shared his Christian faith with family and friends – testifying how his Lord and Savior guided and supported him throughout his life.
He served as Vice President and manager of the Edina branch of Midwest Federal, was active in the banking industry for more than 40 years and established lasting friendships with co-workers and clients.
Surviving Family Members:
He is survived by his: wife – Arlene; brother – Robert “Bob” (Kathy); sons – Mark (Diane) and Darren; grandchildren – Grace, Nina, Sarah and Christian; as well as several nieces and nephews.
Preceded in Death By:
Darrel was preceded in death by his parents and brother – Henry J. “Sam”.
Funeral Service Details:
A memorial service will be held at 11:00 AM on Friday, February 21, 2025 at St Michael’s Lutheran Church – 9201 Normandale Boulevard, Bloomington, MN. A gathering of family and friends will take place in the hour preceding the service and a private Christian burial will take place in the afternoon at St. John’s Lutheran Church cemetery in Chaska.
Memorial Contributions:
Memorials are preferred to St. Michael’s Lutheran Church.
