Kenneth Roper

Kenneth William Roper, 82, Red Wing, died Thursday at St. Mary's Hospital in Rochester. He was born December 4, 1925 in Castle Rock, Minn, the son of William and Ruth (Ahlers) Roper. They moved to the family farm in Goodhue County in 1938. He attended country school in Goodhue County and helped his father on the family farm. He joined the U. S. Army in 1946 and was honorably discharged in November, 1947. He returned to helping on the family farm until marrying Neoma Kells on May 23, 1952. He began a career as a mechanic at Red Wing Implement which lasted several years. He then changed his career to become a construction worker. He and Neoma also farmed during his working years on the family farm which they purchased in 1964. After retiring from construction in 1987 when he turned 62, he became a handy-man, helping many people. He was a member of St. John's Lutheran Church, Frontenac and the Leo C. Peterson #54 American Legion in Red Wing. He loved to cut wood and drink coffee at the Whistle Stop.

Survivors include his wife, Neoma; eight children: Carol (Dan) Davidson of Frontenac, Robin (Jean) Roper of Hager City, and Bonnie (Craig) Weber of Red Wing, Scott (Renee) Roper of Red Wing, Bill (Jeanne) Roper of Goodhue, John (Lynette) Roper, Connie (Kevin) Ide and James (Jane) Roper, all of Red Wing; twenty-three grandchildren and twelve great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents and one brother, Warren.

Funeral will be 11 a. m. Monday at St. John's Lutheran Church in Frontenac with Reverend Christopher Hoppe officiating. Burial with full military honors will be in Old Frontenac Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Robert, Josh, Travis, Corey and Justin Roper and Casey Ide. Honorary pallbearers will be all the other grandchildren. Visitation will be 5-8 p. m. Sunday at Mahn Family Funeral Home, Bodelson-Mahn Chapel and on Monday for one hour prior to the service at the church. Memorials are preferred to the church.