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Frederick Ropkey Obituary

Frederick Noble Ropkey Jr.

Was born on August 29, 1929 in Indianapolis, IN. He was the son of F. Noble Ropkey and Marjorie Chiles Ropkey. Fred, as he was known, was a graduate of Park School and Depauw University.

In 1949 Fred joined the United States Marine Corps and was activated with the 16th Infantry Batallion June, 1950. He was commissioned as a 2nd. Lieutenant after completing Officer Candidate School (OCS) at Quantico, VA. He served an MOS of 1802 with a secondary of 1842 where he was Tank Battalion Maintenance Officer for the 2nd Marine Division. Fred left active duty in 1955 and received an Honorable Discharge on November 15, 1960.

Fred then joined his father and grandfather in the family printing business, INDECO, started by his grandfather, Ernest C. Ropkey. The name was later changed to Ropkey Graphics. Fred was the CEO for over 50 years.

Fred was co-founder of the North American Branch of the British Sub Aqua Club and served as the club's president for many years. He was very active in the early days of deep water salvage diving in both the Caribbean and the Great Lakes. For over 10 years Fred trained and certified Indiana State Police, Marion Co. Sheriff and fire and rescue teams in underwater rescue.

In 1947, while a student at Park School, Fred bought his first armored vehicle, an M3A1 Scout Car. This led to a life long passion and interest in the collecting and preservation of military vehicles. In 1982 Fred and his son Rick founded the Indiana Museum of Military History which later became the Ropkey Armor Museum.

Fred is survived by his wife Lani, his sons, Rick (Naji), Jim (Durga) and Spike (Little Man) and his daughter, Rosie; his grandchildren, Noble and Rachael and his sister, Marjann Cavell and several nieces and nephews. He is also survived by John H. (Skip) Warvel, Luke Penner and Adam Markley, very special friends.

A celebration of Fred's life will be held on Saturday, November 16, 2013 at Crown Hill Funeral Home at 1:00 p.m. with visitation from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. There will be a calling at the Ropkey Armor Museum in Crawfordsville, IN on Thursday, November 14, 2013 from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, Fred requested donations be made to the Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758517, Topeka, Kansas 66675.

Published by The Indianapolis Star from Nov. 13 to Nov. 14, 2013.
34465541-95D0-45B0-BEEB-B9E0361A315A

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Memories and Condolences
for Frederick Ropkey

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Fred always treated everyone with respect and I always knew where I stood with him. I respected him deeply and Sincerely. I have missed him.

Jeff Kidd

September 4, 2014

Lani

I am so sorry to hear about Fred. You and Fred have held a special place in my heart for many, many years.

I hope to see you soon - until then you are in my prayers.

God bless you

Joe Kitterman

Joe Kitterman

November 26, 2013

Lani, I am shocked and saddened to hear of Fred's passing. I just learned about it from a friend in Indy since I now live in Cary, North Carolina. I wish I could have been there to pay my respects to a man I greatly admired. Fred provided me many opportunities and friendship. My thoughts and sympathy go out to you, Jim, Rick and Skip. I know he is dearly missed.
Dave Shiplett (Shave Diplett)
834 Finnbar Dr.
Cary, NC 27519

November 21, 2013

Fred will be missed.. Our thoughts and prayers are being sent your way Ropkey family.

Mike, Jennie, Justin, James and Jonathan Warvel
Dublin, Ohio

November 21, 2013

I am so sorry for you loss Lani. You and your family have our thoughts and prayers in this difficult time. May God Bless You and Yours. Susie (Valdez)Erwin

November 17, 2013

From our family to yours, we are sorry for your loss and send you strength to get through the tough times.
The Pearson Family

Amy Pearson

November 17, 2013

I first met Fred in the late 80' s while I was a young Captain in the U.S. Army stationed at Fort Knox. I was tasked by the commanding general to find one or two WWII motorcycles to lead a parade for the annual Armor Conference.

I reached out to Fred and inquired if he had information as to where I might obtain the services of this kind of equipment. Fred shared with me that he not only had two of these vehicles, but that he and Skip would be willing to personally come to Fort Knox and to dress in period clothing to lead the parade. The post commander was certainly pleased to learn that the parade would be led by these vintage vehicles.

Afterwards, in a briefing to the general, I suggested that it would be a nice gesture of thanks to Fred, who paid for this out of his pocket, to see if he, his son Rick, and good friend Skip, would like to come back to Fort Knox to the firing range and drive the Bradley Fighting Vehicle and to each shoot a few main gun rounds from the new Abrams tank. The CG thought that this was a splendid idea.

I made the call to Fred and we made arrangements for all three to come back to Fort Knox. For me, the privilege of sharing this experience with Fred, Rick, and Skip was priceless. Fred was on cloud nine after driving the Bradley, and the experience was topped off with Fred hitting the target three out of three times with the main gun of the Abrams.

Fred was a true patriot, and I am blessed to have known him.
To Lani, Rick, and the rest of the Ropkey family including Skip, my heartfelt and sincerest condolences. I will keep you all in my prayers.

John Coates

November 17, 2013

I was sorry to learn of Fred's passing. We go back many, many years in the printing business.

Don Rollins

November 17, 2013

my prayers to all - know that he is always with you! keep your faith stong and may God bless you each.

jimmy nasser and family

November 16, 2013

The Ropkey Family has left its mark on the city of Indianapolis. Going back to the early days of the printing company that was well known by so many that sought quality and excellence, to the later years when Fred and his son Rick established the unique, and one-of-a-kind Indiana Museum of Military History. A life long passion of Fred's and his son Rick, the museum is a legacy that will be appreciated for many years to come. My thoughts and prayers are with the family as you share in the passing of a great WWII veteran who has left a wonderful lasting legacy for all. God Bless, Sherry Drybrough

November 16, 2013

Fred > You will always be remembeed as the AMAZING BIG GUN man. I will treasure our times, laughter, conversations and special moments with you and devoted wife, Lani! I will continue to miss you until my life comes to an end. Thank you for being my friend! My heart-felt sympathy to Lani, Rick & Jim.

Walter Francesco Grassi

Walter Francesco Grassi

November 16, 2013

Noble and Family,

Sorry to hear about your loss, we will keep you in our prayers. The Ropkey Family was blessed to have this strong and loving role model in your family......Dr. Ruth & Family

November 15, 2013

Fred was a man who every experience you would share with him, you would always remember. I always wanted to make him proud and to see him smile. That's how I could give back all that he gave to me. I looked forward to sharing our military experiences, but now I am sad to say won't happen. I can however, serve my country with him watching over me and guiding me as I go. Gone from here now but still whispering words of wisdom to those of us in need of that wisdom.

John Behrens

November 15, 2013

What an amazing person and such a great, great legacy he left. It was an honor to have met him. His beloved family is in our thoughts and prayers.

Jim & Linda Wray

November 15, 2013

Rick
I met Dad only once, when he was very ill, and knew that I had met a man of great presence. His force of character was so evident. His achievements are legend, and his legacy visible to all. It is with sadness I have read of his passing and my thoughts are with you at this time. Take comfort in that you celebrate the life of a great man.

BOB GILLAM

November 15, 2013

On behalf of the Société de Police - IPD Adam & Edward, our condolences to the family of Mr. Fred Ropkey Jr.

Words, however kind, can't mend your heartache. But, those who care and share your loss wish you comfort and peace of mind.

Eternal rest grant unto Fred Ropkey Oh Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May the souls of the faithful departed rest in peace. Amen.

S. I. Drake, Lt/IPD (Ret)

November 14, 2013

I wanted to share that I made a few visits to the museum with my dad Gordon Berry Sr. and maybe one with my brother Gordon, Jr. I was also very lucky to have ridden atop one of the tanks during the Mt Comfort Air Show. What a great thrill that was for me. Thanks for the memories.

Dan Berry

November 14, 2013

Thinking of you & your family with deepest sympathy! You are in our thoughts & prayers! Fred will be truly missed by many!

Herb Spier & Kay Cooley H J Spier Co

November 14, 2013

Condolences to the Ropkey family.
Jim Mulligan

November 14, 2013

Rick,
Many years ago your father became a vendor, mentor and friend. I spent many hours at Ropkey Graphics with him teaching me about color separations and printing. He was a fascinating man who shared his knowledge and passion with many. I have so many fond memories of being at the family farm on the west side for Ad Club picnics, and riding in an armored car to the groundbreaking of WTHR with you and your father. I am deeply sorry for his passing and know that you will miss him greatly. Please know the world is a better place because of Fred Ropkey!

Laura Roman

November 14, 2013

Thanks Fred.. many great memories of visiting with you at the Museum. A good friend of Scouting and Troop 41. Peace.

Doug Hvidston

November 14, 2013

I'm imagining Fred rolling through the pearly gates in his favorite tank. Thank you Fred for the IMMH experience, summers of '85 and '86. Aloha.

Cathy K. Malast

November 13, 2013

Rick and Naji, just heard about your Dads death, Margie and I send our deepest regrets , our thoughts and prayers go out to you and of course Noble.
George and Margie Booth

November 13, 2013

Dear Lani:

I was so sad to read in today's Indy Star that Fred has passed away. I was planning to pay a visit next week to see you two and bring Fred some of those little black licorice babies he liked so much. As is the case for many, I'm sure gonna miss him. Fred was one of those quintessentially fun-loving and charismatic people who are way larger than life and who contributed far more to the betterment of the human race than they took from it. The collections he amassed are one of a kind, and I trust that Skip and his sons will keep them going or that the Smithsonian will show interest if not. I know I always loved visiting; your place is a real piece of heaven to me.

With my heartfelt and deepest condolences on the loss of someone I considered a special friend, I wish you all the best.

Roger Zanes

Roger Zanes

November 13, 2013

Fred will be missed. Thoughts and prayers to the family He gave me my first job and taught me a lot.

Mike Young

November 13, 2013

So sorry to hear about Fred. You have my deepest symphathy.
Bob Sternberger

Robert Sternberger

November 13, 2013

FRED WAS ONE OF THE GREAT ONES. WE SHARED LOTS OF MEMORIES IN BUSINESS. A TRULY FINE MAN.

BOB MC DONALD

November 13, 2013

About 25 years ago, the local chapter of the Viet Nam Veterans of America was struggling and had our first chance to be in the Veteran's Day Parade. I called Fred, who didn't know me or even the fledgling organization, and he loaned us an armored personnel carrier and driver. You can't imagine how much this meant to us.

Gene Maresca

November 13, 2013

My heart goes out to you, Lani. Know that all "The Women" as well as the wider community are supporting you.

Alice Phillips

November 13, 2013

We met Fred twice thru our friend Skip Warvel and was honored to visit both museums and to be welcomed into his home. Fred was a gracious man who made a huge contribution to our country, the state of Indiana and the Indianapolis area.

Rex and Jean Rose

November 13, 2013

Very sorry for your loss

chip and marianne koby

November 13, 2013

The world has lost a good man. I am thankful that he enabled me to share a day at the museum with my grandson. I was able to share some of the experiences that my father would have encountered during his WWII tour in Europe. God Bless the family.

Robert McKinniss

November 13, 2013

I always admired your father. He had great passions; was a talented businessman and had his priorities straight. My dad and I enjoyed Indian Guides with the Ropkeys. Our prayers are with you.

Don Palmer

November 13, 2013

Thanks for everything the Ropkey Armor Museum stands for and all that made it happen. God bless you Sir.

David Wills

November 13, 2013

I was saddened to hear of the passing of Fred Ropkey. I am the chaplain of the Indiana Veterans' Home in West Lafayette. I was able to accompany some of our residents on a visit to the Ropkey Armory Museum with the DAV (Disabled American Veterans). What a great experience. Fred and Lani were so passionate about the museum and US military history. They were so kind to our veterans. I enjoyed meeting Fred, and I send my deepest sympathies to Lani. May the Lord bring you comfort and peace in this difficult time.

Chaplain David Hess

November 13, 2013

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