Obituary of Arlene Ellen Roepke

Arlene Roepke, 88 of Edina passed away on April 13, 2025. She was born on June 19, 1936 to Leonard and Frieda (Beneke) Leininger in Lewistown, Montana. The oldest of three children, Arlene grew up in a beautiful but rural Montana farm community.

She graduated from Lewistown High School and attended Valparaiso University. Arlene made many friends through her sorority and college activities. After graduation, Arlene and friends sailed on the Queen Elizabeth II to Europe where they traveled extensively.

Her family relocated to Edina, Minnesota after the passing of Arlene’s father. She joined the Minneapolis office of Midwest Federal Savings and Loan in the early 1960’s. It was there that she met Darrel Roepke. They were married in April of 1966 and shared life together until Darrel’s passing in February 2025.

Arlene and Darrel raised two boys in the Edina home where they resided for 50 years. She stayed home with the boys and utilized her talents in sewing, cooking, decorating and gardening to make a welcoming home.

Arlene was raised in the Christian faith and shared that faith with family and friends. She was active at St. Michael’s Lutheran church where she and Darrel were members for 50+ years.

Arlene loved to travel and planned memorable family vacations to Montana, Canada, California, Arizona, Florida, Michigan and Illinois. She enjoyed supporting her boys in their activities,  entertaining her grandchildren and hosting gatherings of family and friends.

Arlene was preceded in death by her parents, brother – Larry Leininger and husband – Darrel. She is survived by her: sister – Karen; sons - Mark (Diane) and Darren; grandchildren - Grace, Nina, Sarah and Christian; as well as nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, May 3, 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, a light lunch after the service, and a private Christian burial will follow at St. John’s Lutheran Church cemetery in Chaska. Memorials are preferred to St. Michael’s Lutheran Church