Hans Jurgen Roebbelen

1928 - 2018

August 26th, 2018 Hans Roebbelen was an extraordinary man. He was born in Germany in 1928 and grew up during the Hitler years. Drafted into the German army at 15, he and his whole unit were taken prisoners of war until May of 1945 when the war ended. It was a blessing that the imprisonment was short, as most of the men were already emaciated and traumatized. Hans knew hardship that we cannot imagine- yet he was never a victim, always an overcomer. His outlook on life was cheerful and positive. He came to the United States at 24 to marry Alma Schmiedt, who had come over 2 years earlier. He had $50 in his pocket and did not speak English- and was a German post WW2. That didn't stop him. He worked hard, but never neglected his family. He was home every night for dinner at 6:00 pm without fail. He raised his children with love and discipline and taught us that our trust belonged in God. His favorite saying was (translated from German) "Little Ship - sail on - even if the mast should break. God is accompanying you and He will never forsake you." In time, Hans had built one of the top 200 construction companies in the United States. He was a man of strong moral character. His life was a cause for rejoicing. Hans passed in peace and he is now with our Lord and his beloved Alma, who passed before him. We were blessed to have had him for a father. In love Kenneth Roebbelen, Marie-Anne Alexander, and Kaete Daum (his children). Hans is survived by his precious second wife, Mary Voss Roebbelen. A Celebration of Life service will be held on Thursday, October 25th, at 11:00 am at Good Shephard Lutheran Church. 1615 Morse Avenue, Sacramento, CA 95864.