09/17/2018

Obituary for The Rev. Carl A Roepcke

The Reverend Carl A. Roepcke, age 89, of Marysville, died peacefully Friday, September 14, 2018 at Brookdale Senior Living. A servant of the Lord through the Lutheran church for over 64 years, he was senior pastor at North Community Lutheran in Columbus from 1978-1994, St. John Lutheran in Sidney from 1972-1978, Faith Lutheran in Massillon from 1961-1972, Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd in Cleveland from 1956-1961 and St. Paul Lutheran in Botkins from 1954-1956.

Following his retirement in 1994, he continued his Christian work as interim pastor at St. Matthew in Columbus, Messiah in Reynoldsburg, Martin Luther in Columbus, St. Matthew in Lockbourne and First English in Marysville. He also served as visitation pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in Marysville.

In 1949, he received a bachelor's degree in science from Capital University and a Bachelor of Divinity degree in 1954 from Trinity Seminary in Columbus. He was ordained June 13, 1954 at Christ Lutheran Church in Dayton where his father, Rev. Frederick H. Roepcke, served as pastor.

His community involvement included the Massillon YMCA Board, Massillon Mental Health Clinic Board, Stark County Suicide Prevention Board, Shelby County Board of Developmental Disabilities and various clergy organizations in the areas he served. 

He was preceded in death by his first wife of 50 years, Helen M. Roepcke; two brothers, infant Frederick, Jr. and Paul L. Roepcke; a daughter-in-law, Cynthia Boving Roepcke; and two brothers-in-law, Clyde Shields and Garrett vanStratton. He is survived by his wife of 18 years, Kathleen E. Coleman Disbennett Roepcke; four children, Paul S. (Leslie Brady) Roepcke of Carroll; John M. (Beth) Roepcke of Westerville, Beth J. (Eric Wanner) Liebling of Pittsburgh and James D. (Debbie) Roepcke of Liberty Lake, Washington; his step-son Charles (Rae Carson) Finlay of Phoenix, Arizona; his step-daughter, Sheila (Greg) Beil of Marysville; his grandchildren, Katie (Wes) Saum, David (Lauren) Roepcke, Frederick (Kai) Roepcke, Jessica (Sean) Reiber, Rob Frede, Becca Frede, Ben Liebling, Jennifer (Dan) Gregg, Brian (Jessica) Roepcke, Nicole (Nathan) Carpenter, Coleman Hessler, Finlay Hessler, Jacob Beil and Hannah Beil; many great-grandchildren; a sister-in-law, Jane vanStratton; his nieces, Kathy, Karen and Carol; and many other relatives and friends.

Funeral services were held on September 17 at 11 a.m., at Trinity Lutheran Church in Marysville. The Rev. Barry Scott officiated.

Memorial contributions may be made in his memory to Trinity Lutheran Church or Capital City Hospice in Westerville. Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.underwoodfuneralhome.com.