It is with great sadness that the family of Louis Stephen Roepsch (Louie) announce the passing of our beloved husband, dad, grandpa, great grandpa, brother, uncle and friend. Louie, 81, joined loved ones in heaven on May 13, 2026, knowing he was truly blessed.

Louie was born on August 24, 1944, at Finley Hospital in Dubuque, Iowa, son of George N. Roepsch and Frances K. (Lewis) Roepsch. He grew up in East Dubuque, IL. He loved roaming the bluffs out to Boatyard Hollow with his brothers. He attended St. Mary’s Elementary School and one year at East Dubuque High School before moving to Dubuque where he finished his remaining high school years at Senior High School. After graduation, Louie joined the U.S. Navy. He completed bootcamp training at Great Lakes, Detroit and electronic training in Memphis, TN. He was based with the Navy out of Sanford, FL and spent much time on aircraft carriers which set sail from Norfolk, VA. Louie served during the Cuban Missile Crisis and Cold War. He was also honored to celebrate the Blue Nose Award by crossing the Arctic Circle. While serving on the U.S. Aircraft Carrier, USS Forrestal CV-59, Louie suffered a broken ankle during a hurricane. He was flown back to Jacksonville, FL where the ankle was restored with 2 screws. He served his country for 3 years as an Aviation Fire Control Second Class.

Louie then started studies at Loras College and worked at John Deere as a First-class A Electrician. While visiting his grandpa’s house with his brother, “Butch”, and his wife Dorothy, he met the love of his life, Dorothy’s sister, Anna Mae P. Muenster. Louie and Anna Mae were united in marriage on April 16, 1966, at St. Theresa Catholic Church in LaMotte IA.

Louie worked at John Deere for 3 years as a Class A electrician before starting a career at National Cash Register (NCR) with schooling first in Denver, CO, followed by annual training in numerous states. He learned cash register repair and repaired banking and retail equipment, ranging from the simplest manual cash register to the largest of computers. He treasured the opportunities he had to work with and met many great folks.

In 1980, Louie and Anna Mae purchased the old “Wiederholt farm house” in Menominee, IL. He and Anna Mae fully rebuilt the home while raising ten children. Eventually, NCR was purchased by AT&T. However, at age 55, Louie’s heart condition wouldn’t allow him to continue working any longer and he retired.

One evening, Louie was awakened by his expecting wife, to discover a fire at The Hilltop Tavern. Louie saved the lives of two men that evening. He joined the Menomine-Dunleith Fire department and served for 20 years, holding positions of Secretary and Treasurer. He cherished the years he served with his fellow members and admire all of them.

Louie was a proud member of Nativity BVM Church in Menominee, IL, where he enjoyed setting up the electrical and sound system for the annual church festival.

Louie loved fishing, duck hunting, and running trout lines with his boys. In retirement, Louie enjoyed rebuilding old tractors and could always be counted on to help neighbors and family whenever needed.

He cherished his travel to Germany where he was able to meet several extended Röepsch family members.

Louie’s family always receives endless comments from those whom met him about how great and interesting of a guy he is. Louie made friends everywhere he went. Those who met him enjoyed his never-ending stories. He was ever a socialite and “handsome”.

Louie will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 60 years, Anna Mae (Muenster) Roepsch, and his children: Son, Stephen, grandson, Colton (Alexandria Seibers) and great grandchildren, Tayden, Lucas, Hudson and Hazel and granddaughter Rose (Donald Bruce) and great grandchildren, Jemma, Jax and Ivy and granddaughter Autumn, (Kyle Flickinger) and granddaughter Teagan and grandson Dustin (Valery Smith) and granddaughter, Angela.

Daughter Guenevere (Brett Moser), grandsons, Sam (Monica Morrison) and great granddaughter Aria, grandson Sean (Katelyn Kramer) and grandson Stuart.

Daughter Rebecca, and granddaughter Valerie.

Son, Dennis (Kimberly Nesbitt) and grandsons, Ayden (Zoe Keller) and Alek.

Son, Nicholas (Jennifer Dimick) and granddaughter, Elle (Dylan Prestegard) and future great grandson, and grandson Ethan.

Son, Fred (Nicole Brant) and granddaughters, Megan and Ella, and grandson, Matthew.

Son, George (Kenny) (Michelle Olerich), grandson, Carter, and granddaughter, Clara.

Daughter, Joan (Austin Pitts), grandson, Everitt and granddaughters, Evee, Vaida, and Sophie.

Brothers, George “Butch” (Dorothy Muenster) and Edward (Kris Link).

Sister-in-laws Margaret (Marge) Massey and Grace Knockel and brother-in-law Clarence (Jody) Muenster.

Louie was proceeded in death by his two daughters, Louann, and Frances and granddaughter, Monica Pitts; his parents, George N. and Frances (Lewis) Roepsch, his father-in-law, Frank Muenster, and mother-in-law, Ida Muenster, and sisters Mary (Bill Richard) and Carol (Leick) and brother Donald and sister-in-law Theresa (Maiers), and brother in-law, Frances Muenster and sister-in-law Lorraine (Knockel), brother-in-law James Knockel, and sister-in-law, Alice Muenster.

Visitation will be held at Miller Funeral Home, 1185 IL-35, East Dubuque on Sunday, May 17, 2026, from 1 to 4 pm. A prayer service will be held at 12:30 pm. An additional visitation will be from 9:00 – 9:45 a.m. on Monday at the church. A funeral mass will be offered at Nativity BVM Church in Menominee on Monday, May 18, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. Burial will be in the church cemetery, where military honors will be accorded by members of East Dubuque American Legion Post # 787.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Menomine-Dunleith Fire Department in honor of Dad. The family wishes to send a special thank you to Dr. Caceres for his compassion and care for Dad over the years.

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.millerfhed.com.