Bradley H. Roepke

ROCKFORD – Bradley H. Roepke, age 70, of Rockford passed away peacefully September 1, 2018 from complications attributed to cancer. Brad was born on October 26, 1947 in Biscay, MN to Harold & Thelma Roepke (Hagen). He graduated from Glencoe High School in 1965. In the fall he enrolled at Dunwoody Institute, Minneapolis and graduated with an AA degree in drafting. Brad went on to a very successful career at Sundstrand, a defense contractor, located in Rockford, IL. He retired as a Manufacturing Engineer. His employment at Sundstrand was interrupted by his call to service in the US Army as a Combat Engineer, attaining the rank of Specialist E5. He served two tours of duty in Vietnam and was awarded two Purple Hearts during his service. After his discharge in November 1971, he returned to Beloit, WI where he met his wife Sue Hessler. They were married on July 8,1972 and enjoyed 46 years of marriage. Brad was a member of the American Legion in Rockton, IL, an avid trap shooter and volunteered for many years at the Vets Roll Organization; escorting WWII Veterans & Rosies ("The Riveter") and Korean Veterans to Washington, DC to visit their respective war memorials.


He is survived by his wife, Sue (Hessler); sisters, Lorna Kaufmann of Brownton, MN and Maridee (Richard) Sveen of Elgin, IL; special friends, Al (Paula) Koch of Tennessee and Del Halverson of Ricelake, WI. He is predeceased by his parents, Harold & Thelma Roepke; niece, Susan Kaufmann; nephew, Michael Kaufmann; and great nephew, Mathew Selle.


Celebration of Life Memorial visitation to be held on Saturday October 6, 2018 from 3:00-5:00 pm at the Veterans Memorial Hall, 211 North Main Street, Rockford IL. Cremation rites accorded. Christenson Funeral Home is assisting with arrangements. Memorials to the family.