Daniel (Dan) Francis Roepke, 80, of Branson, MO.
Daniel (Dan) Francis Roepke, 80, of Branson, MO, passed away in the early morning of January 22, 2022, at home while sleeping. Dan was born on March 26, 1941, and raised in Sioux City, IA, to Ronald Albert Roepke and Mary Jane (Biernbaum) Roepke. Dan served his country proudly in Vietnam from 1967 to 1969 as a helicopter gunner. Upon his return to the USA, he met the love of his life, Vicki (Dungan) Roepke, at a bowling alley in Sioux City. They married in 1969 recently celebrating their 52nd anniversary. Dan and his family lived in Norfolk, NE, from 1981 until his retirement in 2016 when he and Vicki moved to Branson, MO, their favorite vacation destination. Dan was a hard worker providing for his family, especially his many grandchildren, well into his 70’s. He was professional driver from 1986 until his retirement – first driving a tour bus for Arrow Stage Lines of Norfolk, NE from 1986 to 1999 followed by driving semi-tractor/trailer for Affiliated Food Stores in 1999. Dan was a devout Christian and an active member of Faith & Wisdom Church in Branson for the past five years and member of Harvest Church of Norfolk, NE, from 1991 until 2016. He was also an avid sports fan especially of his beloved Nebraska Cornhusker football, NASCAR racing, and the Kansas City Chiefs. Dan himself was a semi-professional bowler in the 1970’s in Texas consistently carrying an average over 200.
Dan is survived by his wife, six sons – Vernon Roepke, Bobby Roepke, and Mark Roepke of North Platte, NE; Todd Roepke of Lincoln, NE; Dr. Troy Roepke and his husband George Brnilovich III of Plainfield, NJ; and Donnie Bermel and his wife Valerie of Norfolk, NE; and one daughter, Tamie Roepke of Branson, MO. Dan is also survived by his brothers, David (and Robin) Roepke and William (and Gary) Roepke, and sister, Judy Francis, all of Sioux City, IA, and their children; his brother in-law Richard (and Mary) Dungan of Norfolk, NE, and sisters-in-law, Twyla (and Joe) Card of Waxahachie, TX, and Sally (and Terry) Mercado of Norfolk, NE, and all of their children. One of Dan’s greatest joys was his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, of which, he is survived by 21 grandchildren and 26 great-grandchildren. He was proceeded in death by his parents, a sister- and brother-in-law, one granddaughter, and two great-grandchildren.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his name to Wounded Warriors or any other veteran service charity. A memorial service will be held in Branson, MO, later this year when traveling is safer and warmer.
Cremation arrangements are under the direction of Snapp-Bearden Funeral Home and Crematory, Branson.