Dianne Jeanette Roepke

She was born on February 6, 1943, in LeMars, Iowa, and was the oldest of three daughters. Dianne attended elementary and high school in LeMars, and continued her education at nearby Westmar College in LeMars.

She graduated from Westmar College in 1965 with a degree in Elementary Education. Dianne began her teaching career in Ida Grove, Iowa, where she taught third grade. It was there that she met her husband, Ed, who was also in his first year of teaching. Ed and Dianne were married on Easter Sunday in 1967 in LeMars, Iowa.

The couple bought their first home in Gonvick, MN in 1970 right across from the school. During that time, Dianne gave birth to four sons: Shannon, Shane, Samuel, and Skip. In 1978, they moved to “the farm” just outside Gonvick, where they lived until 2008, when they purchased a lake home on Little Elk Lake in Zimmerman, Minnesota.

Dianne taught elementary school in Bemidji for four years before getting a job in Gonvick, where she spent the remainder of her teaching career. Throughout her time in education, Dianne taught a variety of elementary grades as well as being a Title One teacher. She and Ed both retired on the same day in 1999, ending their careers together just as they had started them.

A dedicated member of her community, Dianne was actively involved in Samhold Lutheran Church, where she was a Deacon on the Church Board, member of the Ladies Aide and taught Sunday School for several years. She also belonged to the Red Hat Society and was involved in several community projects and School programs.

She rarely missed any activities or sports, many times traveling to several locations in the same day to support her sons and watch their games. Even in retirement, Dianne and Ed would drive hundreds of miles to cheer on their grandchildren in their plays, dance competitions, hockey or softball games, or robotics contests.

Dianne was preceded in death by her father, Hilbert Ludwigs; her mother, Evelyn Ludwigs; and her sister, Cathy Carlson.

She is survived by her husband of 56 years, Ed Roepke; her sons Shannon (Amy), Shane, Samuel (Cari), and Skip Roepke; her granddaughters Avery and Hannah Roepke; her grandsons Brennen and Bryce Roepke; along with several cousins, nieces, and nephews.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date.