Richard F. “Dick” Roepsch, age 87, of Dubuque, IA, completed his earthly journey suddenly on September 6, 2026, at home.  To honor Dick’s life, family and friends are invited to join in food and fellowship at his Celebration of Life which will be held on Saturday, September 12, 2026, at The Barn, 5090 Sherrill Road in Sherrill, IA.  The Dubuque Fire Department will perform “The Ringing of the Bell” ceremony at 11:00 a.m. to begin Dick’s Celebration of Life.  The Tri-State Cremation Center is humbly serving Dick’s family.

Dick was born on October 4, 1938, in Dubuque, IA, a son to Joseph and Jeanne (Gatton) Roepsch.  He had dreams of being a fireman from an early age and after much work and determination, in 1964 his dream was realized.  Dick spent over 32 years serving our community with the Dubuque Fire Department primarily as a fire equipment driver and EMT.  He loved everything about his career, but sadly, due to an injury was forced to retire in 1996.  Dick never left his love for the job far behind and always remained grateful for the years and friends he made along the way.

In his free-time, Dick donated countless hours to the Fire Department Union and the Democratic Party of Dubuque.  He was also a proud board member of the Tri-State Genealogical Society for many years.  When Dick wasn’t giving back to his community, he could easily be found socializing with his friends at their regular Tuesday and Friday morning breakfasts at the Village Inn.  Dick enjoyed being around people and if there was an opportunity to fix the world’s problems at the same time, then all was right in his mind.

We are going to miss Dick more than words could say.  His impact on the community around us is undeniable and the void that he leaves behind will be difficult to replace.  Thank you, Dick, for giving more than you took and facing each day with humility and devotion.  May the Lord bless and keep you safe in His loving arms until we all meet again.

Those left to cherish the memory of Dick include,

his loving wife of 43 years,
Linda Roepsch, Dubuque, IA;

his three children,
Carrie (Steven) Braun, Asbury, IA,
Dana (Roger) Coffin, Cedar Rapids, IA,
and Marla (Carl) Leuenberger, OK;

his numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren and one great-grandchild;

his sister,
Rita Parkin, Dubuque, IA;

along with numerous extended family, friends and neighbors.

Dick was preceded in death by his parents; his siblings, Thomas (Carol) Roepsch, Joanne (Jim) Brehm, Theodore Roepsch, and Barbara Roepsch in infancy; and his step-son, Kevin Kurtz.

In lieu of flowers, a Richard F. Roepsch memorial fund has been established.

Dick’s family would like to thank everyone at the Dubuque Fire Department, Dubuque Police Department and the Dubuque County Medical Examiner’s office for all of their professional and compassionate care.

Online condolences may be shared with Dick’s family at www.tristatecremationcenter.com