Susan C. (Bachel) ROUPE

BACHEL, ROUPE, SELLER

Posted By: Sarah Thorson Little (email)
Date: 10/2/2010 at 09:37:41

December 6, 1946 -- September 29, 2010

SUSAN C. ROUPE

Ankeny, IA -- Susan Roupe slipped away peacefully to her God, surrounded by her loving family on September 29, 2010, after suffering a heart attack. A Memorial Visitation will be 4 to 7 p.m. with a 7 p.m. Vigil Service, Sunday, October 3, at Our Lady's Immaculate Heart Catholic Church in Ankeny. Mass of Christian Burial will be 10 a.m., Monday, October 4, at OLIH Church with inurnment to follow at Oralabor Cemetery.

Susan was born in Fort Dodge on December 6, 1946 to Oscar and Flavia Bachel. After graduating from Eagle Grove High School, she attended Iowa State University graduating with a degree in History. She married Dennis Roupe from Eldora on June 12, 1971. After his graduation from UNI in 1974, the couple moved to Ankeny, Iowa. Susan was a substitute teacher in the Ankeny and Des Moines school systems before accepting a position with Our Lady's Immaculate Heart Catholic Church in Ankeny. She held the position of Director of Religious Education for approximately 27 years until the time of her death.

She was a tireless worker and loved the interaction with 'her kids' in the Religious Education programs. She said she was always blessed to be surrounded by dedicated professionals (especially Fr. Steve Orr, Patsy Carlson, and Joyce Clawson) and an endless stream of tireless, volunteer teachers. She was also blessed with her many close friendships with other Directors of Religious Education and staff at the Des Moines Catholic Diocese. Susan implemented a scholarship program for graduating OLIH seniors. After 25 years of fund raising from frozen pizzas, pies, and sub sandwiches, and after awarding numerous scholarships, the program was re-named the "Susan C. Roupe Scholarship" in her honor. With the help of Pat Fliger, Susan was also instrumental in helping to re-establish and coordinate the Ankeny High School Baccalaureate Service through Ankeny Interfaith Council in 1987. This tradition continues today.

Her biggest joy in life was her family. Her daughters and grandchildren were treasures she shared with her husband Dennis. Susan was preceded in death by her parents and brother, Lloyd Bachel. She is survived by her loving husband, Dennis; daughters, Amy (Sam) Seller of Crystal, MN, and Katie Roupe of Ankeny; grandchildren, Gavin and Sabrina Seller; and brother, Earl (Julie) Bachel of Marshalltown.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Susan C. Roupe Scholarship Fund at OLIH Catholic Church in Ankeny.

Des Moines Register, Des Moines, Iowa
October 1, 2010