The Mass of Christian Burial for Norman Steve Reopelle will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. Saturday November 8, 2014 at Resurrection Catholic Church in Rochester with the Rev. Kevin Connolly officiating. Burial will be at a later date. Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. on Saturday at the church.

Mr. Reopelle, 78, of Rochester died Monday at his home of complications from ALS.

Norman was born December 18, 1935 in Gervais Township near Red Lake Falls in Northwest, MN. to George and Cora Dondoneau Reopelle. He and his sister Grace grew up on a small farm with his grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins, living nearby. After graduation from Lafyette High School in Red Lake Falls, Norm continued on to earn a Bachelor of Science Degree at Bemidji State and a Master of Science Degree at the University of Colorado in Boulder. Teaching, which he loved, spanned fifty years, four in Sebeka, Minnesota, then four years at Lourdes in Rochester, then Rochester Community and Technical College (RCTC) where he taught for 33 years and nine more in an adjunct capacity. On June 16, 1973 he married Karen Gewerth of Des Moines, Iowa at Church of the Resurrection.

Survivors include his wife, Karen of 41 years, a son Christopher Steven and his wife Juanita of Bemidji, MN and their daughter Adele' and twin sons, Brian and Christopher. Norm is also survived by a niece Cindy, and her daughters Kayla and Brianna of Union Grove, WI, and one nephew Jeff and his wife Karen of Onset, MA. He was preceded in death by his parents George and Cora, his sister Grace, and an infant brother, Vern.

Norm was an active member of Resurrection Catholic Church as a Eucharistic Minister and a Faith Sharing Leader.  He raised and groomed Westies and Scotties.  He enjoyed his home and family, nature, gardening and cross country road trips. He was a snow skier and was on the ski patrol at Mt. Frontinac Ski Resort.  Norm and Karen were also housing parents for the Ice Hawks and the Mustangs for sixteen years.

Memorials are preferred to the ALS Association, Resurrection Catholic Church, or RCTC.

Online condolences are welcome at www.mackenfuneralhome .com.