Debbie Roppel

Heaven gained a bundle of energy when Debbie Roppel went to be with her LORD and Savior on March 19, 2025. Deb was born into this world on February 28, 1961, to Nathan and Elizabeth Boatman (Gurley) in Cando, ND, as the youngest of six children. She spent her early childhood on a farm east of Hampden, moving into town in 1973 after her faith was tested by her dad’s passing. However, this experience only provided the water and sunshine for that seed of faith that had been planted by her parents.

On July 14 after graduating from high school in 1979, she married her soulmate, Michael Roppel. They made their home in Alsen, moving to the farm in 1984. Debbie was a crucial part of the farming operation, doing more “jobs” than we can count. Despite her already full plate, she also wore multiple other hats throughout the years including: cook, waitress, mail courier, EMT-I, and entrepreneur. When an opportunity arose to purchase a local building, she founded the Lost Prairie Lodge. With enthusiasm and imagination she brought sportsmen from across the US to these small communities that she loved dearly. To her, though, the most important hats were always: loving wife, mother, and grandmother.

Meals were eaten together, holidays were shared together, and the farm was worked together. She loved farming and traveling with her family. Many memories were made in the Rocky’s, Southwestern US, Saratoga, Keenland, Florida, and Jamaica. At home Debbie was always known for bringing the ”kitchen sink” to holidays and family reunions, being the loudest cheerleader for her kids, wild nerf gun fights, and grandbaby play dates.

Debbie’s love extended far beyond just her family; she treated everyone that walked into her life with kindness and respect. Her kindness touched all those that met her, people and animals alike. A dog, cat, or horse were never too far from her side, but she had an understanding and special relationship with horses. She learned how to care for them and ride as a child , which she, in turn, taught her children, and throughout semi-retirement, she owned “eyelashes” and” tail feathers” of multiple racehorses and developed special friendships with fellow shareholders.

Debbie had a heart of gold, a contagious smile, a sense of humor that could make you laugh when you wanted to cry, and an outlook on life of work hard, play harder. She led an exceptional life, and her faith in our Lord Jesus provided her fearlessness when taking on life’s challenges. Through all the trials in life, she handled them with bold grace and faith.

Debbie is welcomed to her Heavenly home by her father, mother, granddaughter Rylie, brother Gordy, sister Shirley, and niece Becky. She is forever loved and remembered by her husband, Mike; son Justin (Mallory) Roppel; son Derek (Jana) Roppel; daughter Candice (Nathan) Reed; grandchildren: Evan, Kasen, Harvey, Clara Roppel and Ariya, Aurora, and Aston Reed; sister Mary (Dave) Rose; brothers Paul (Patsy)Boatman and Don (Phoebe)Boatman; and countless other family and dear friends across the nation.

Her boundless energy and mentality to “Live life to the fullest!” will be dearly missed on this earth, but her love, light, and spirit shines on within each of us that had the honor of knowing her.

A funeral service for Debbie will be at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 27, 2025, at the Swiss Mennonite Church in Alsen, ND. Visitation will be from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. with a 7:00 p.m. prayer service on Wednesday, March 26, 2025, at Brooks Funeral Home in Langdon, ND.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorials be directed to the Cavalier County Cancer Crusaders, 210 8th Ave., Langdon, ND 58249