Victor William August Roepke

July 27, 1913 - April 27, 2008

Funeral service for Victor William August Roepke, 94, DeLand, who passed away from this life on April 27, 2008, to be with his Savior Jesus Christ, will be at 12 noon Thursday, May 1, at Lankford Funeral Home. Family will receive friends between 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. today (Wednesday) at the funeral home.

Mr. Roepke was a Christian and a member of First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), DeLand. He was born in Indianapolis, IN, on July 27, 1913. While living in Indiana, he owned and managed Roepke Floral Company which at the time was the largest floral company in Indiana. On August 16, 1936, Vic married Kathryn Dee (Duncan-deceased 1999), who was his friend, helper, partner and love. Dee designed and made floral arrangements at the Roepke Floral Shop side by side with Victor, and on holidays they would still be working at 2 or 3 a.m. When Vic said "Let's go to .¤.¤." Dee would start packing for another adventure searching for the wily trout.

Vic and Dee became the parents of Gordon Ray Roepke on April 19, 1937 (deceased 1995). On June 9, 1947, daughter Rita Dee Roepke (Cook) was born in Indianapolis. Victor served briefly in the U.S. Navy until an injury left him with a disability. With the lure of warmth (which meant you could fish more often), Victor and family moved to Eustis, FL in 1949. Once settled in Florida, Mr. Roepke began land development in Lake County and Volusia County. While being successful at this, he made many friends and people thought well of him. While developing River Ridge Subdivision in Volusia County, Mr. Roepke unearthed the "Owl Totem" which was near what is now Hontoon Island State Park. He gave the totem to the University of Florida. Today there is a replica of this Owl Totem on this island park. Victor always was respectful, helpful and fair to everyone, no matter what walk of life a person was from. His entire life of altruism was done quietly, not wanting attention drawn to himself.

Victor and family spent much time cruising The Bahamas. He purchased land in Green Turtle Cay and, with Gordon's help, built a house for his family. Grandchildren DeAnn Ryals and Billy Ryals joined in the fun at the early ages of 3 and 2. There aren't enough words to describe the joy the family shared, the adventures, fun and memories garnered from years with Victor. He was a man of all men, at least to his grandson, Billy. He was always there to teach Billy the ways of the water and the fish. When Vic and family would have a long day of fishing it was a family tradition to say, "Out too far big fish," a line from Hemingway's "Old Man and the Sea."

Victor was a person of vision. He had foresight in ways to help people better themselves often with just a quiet gift of encouragement. This could be giving the fish he caught on the St. Johns River to somone, giving away plants he grew in his greenhouse or other ways. Vic fished every day of his life, well, almost. His vision was most evident in Habitat for Humanity West Volusia affiliate and Habitat for Humanity in New Zealand's affiliates. He was a founding member of Habitat for Humanity West Volusia affiliate and he believed in a Bargain Barn resale shop which helped fund houses Habitat builds. Vic's love of trout fishing took him to New Zealand. There he made many friends. His vision of Habitat Resale Shops in New Zealand led to Bargain Barns development at four affiliates. Vic loved all to do with Habitat and voluntarily worked in most facets of Habitat's endeavors.

Victor's other charitable pursuits included Stetson University where he endowed several scholarships in the music department and where he attended concerts regularly. He also contributed to the DeLand Corps of Salvation Army and the Jimmy Carter Center.

In June 2000 Victor married Harriett Froescher. She has been by his side as a friend and companion while also lovingly providing for his care. Harriett and Vic traveled together many times to New Zealand. Vic was a member of the Scottish Rite 32nd degree. He was also a Shriner for 53 years. He was very involved in building the DeLand Shrine Club lodge. He continued to be a part of the club's activities for many years. He raised a good amount of money for the Shrine Club Burn Center hospitals.

Vic is survived by his wife, Harriett; a daughter, Rita Cook (Richard); grandchildren, DeAnn Ryals, Billy Ryals, and Victor G. Roepke; two stepchildren, C.M. Gant and June Frissbe; seven step-grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.

Friends and family are invited to Richard and Rita's home at 2253 River Ridge Rd., DeLand, following the service. Donations may be made to Hospice of Volusia/Flagler, 3800 Woodbriar Trail, Port Orange, FL 32129, Shriners Hospital for Crippled Children, 2900 Rocky Point Dr., Tampa, FL 33607, Habitat for Humanity of West Volusia, 196 W. Blue Springs Ave., Orange City, FL 32763, The Salvation Army, 121-A W. Plymouth Ave., DeLand, FL 32720 or to Stetson University Music Scholarship, 421 N. Woodland Blvd., DeLand, FL 32724.

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