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FAIRFAX -- Stella Roepke, of Fairfax passed away at the Sleepy Eye Care Center on Feb. 13, 2021, at the age of 97 years, 11 months and one day.
Stella Helena Black was born at her rural home in Wellington Township, Fairfax, Minnesota, on March 12, 1923. She was the daughter of Henry J and Adelia (Kiecker) Black.
Stella was baptized on April 8, 1923, at Emanuel Lutheran Church, Wellington Township. She attended Emanuel Lutheran Parochial School and Stella was confirmed on May 24, 1936, at Emanuel Lutheran Church. Stella graduated from Fairfax Public High School in June, 1942.
Stella married Alvin Roepke on June 20, 1944, at Emanuel Lutheran Church. They lived on the family farm in Stewart, MN, and moved to Fairfax in 1958. Alvin passed away in April, 1996. Stella and Alvin were blessed with one daughter, Cynthia. Stella was a homemaker and a teacher. During the early years of raising their daughter, she attended Mankato State College, Mankato, MN, and graduated in 1964 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education.
Stella taught various grade levels for 32 years at public schools in Minnesota, including Maynard, Hector, Buffalo Lake, Franklin, and New Ulm. She taught 1 year in Corpus Christi, Texas during her time there. She was a dedicated teacher and went above and beyond to help each child learn.
Stella was a long-time member of St John Lutheran Church, Fairfax, MN, where she was also a lifetime member of the Ladies Aid. Stella was meticulous and loved gardening, spending hours tending to her beautiful flowers. She won several awards for her efforts. Her garden was the first to burst forth with tulips in the spring, and last to bid the summer goodbye with the many different varieties of flowers. She spent parts of each summer traveling throughout the United States. She visited each state, with Hawaii being her favorite destination.
Stella was a devoted and loving wife, mother, aunt, and great aunt. Stella was kindhearted, caring, and was always doing something for others. Holidays, birthdays, special occasions, and family gatherings were important to her and she attended them all. It wasn't a party without her baked cream puffs! She will be dearly missed.
Stella passed away at the Sleepy Eye Care Center February 13, 2021, at the age of 97 years, 11 months and 1 day. Blessed be her memory.
Stella is survived by her daughter, Cynthia Roepke Breeding, Corpus Christi, TX. Nieces, Joan (Kalk) and Rich Forst; Carolyn (Kalk) and Michael Fahey; Connie (Allan) Kalk; and by grandnieces and nephews and great-grand nieces and nephews; many cousins, and friends. Stella was proceeded in death by her husband, Alvin; Son-in-Law, Larry Breeding; Sister and brother-in-law, Selma and Marvin Kalk; and nephew, Allan Kalk.
Due to current social constraints, a private family service will be held. The service will be livestreamed on Minnesota Valley Funeral Home’s Facebook Page starting at 11 am on Saturday, February 27, 2021.
To leave an online condolence for her family, or to sign the guestbook, go to: mvfh.org