Rae Ann Roper

With tears in our eyes and a heavy ache in our hearts, the Lauderdale Community laments the sudden passing of a beloved lifelong community member, Mrs. Rae Ann Roper (Fresonke), who departed on the first day of June 2022.

Preceded in death by her parents, Denise & Raymond Fresonke; brothers, Dick and Bobby Fresonke; sister, Terry Steinmaus; and grandbaby, Taylor.​

Survived in life by the endless love and support of her devoted husband of 58 years, Robert Roper; children, Raelene, Robert, Rebecca (Dan), Regina and Rochelle; brothers, Jack and Roger; eleven grandchildren - three she raised as her own; and five great grandchildren – one of which she adopted.​

Being the second oldest out of six, Rae Ann grew up alongside her four brothers and a baby sister. Her parents packed up and moved the family from the midwest to the west coast while she was very young. She attended Glendora High School in California and belonged to a handful of both academic & athletic clubs, the knowledge which she attained she carried daily throughout adulthood.

Days after graduation, Rae Ann married her one and only. This year marks 58 years of dedication and commitment. Eagerly anticipating what the future had in store and full of optimism and ambition, the newlyweds faced each challenge the same way they celebrated victories, together. Despite being scarred by the tragedy of miscarrying her first pregnancy, Rae Ann sacrificed throughout her entire life, and never stopped being a full-time provider. Working two jobs – waitressing at the Midland Hills Country Club & as a machinist at Twin Cities Die Casting (TCDC), while raising a family is hard enough, and somehow, she still made time to enjoy life to the fullest. Her family means the world to her. Without words she put a lot of energy into showing the family values and all that entails, regardless. Spending time with family is the biggest highlight of her life. Nonetheless, she understood the importance of family and being supportive of one another.

 Her favorite hobby was fishing. Camping is also towards the top of the list along with bowling, softball, volleyball, watching all the little ones grow up, every type of dancing especially the disco dance scene, sewing, and participating or organizing fundraisers. On top of all that, she managed to completely orchestrate the annual parties held at the Village Hall. Her life had an unexpected change of direction, causing her to handle situations differently. Amazingly, that didn’t wither her spirit as she planned multiple family trips to Disneyland and the Pacific Ocean. In fact, it was an annual Roper tradition to always attend the first day of the State Fair otherwise known as Thrifty Thursday, from 6AM-Midnight.

Speaking of thrifty, secondhand shopping and deal finding was a gift that Rae Ann graciously passed on to those who paid attention. Additionally, her ability to prepare outstanding meals is astonishing. She was genuinely an amazing cook. None compared to her culinary skills.

Rae Ann kept a simple daily routine, didn’t ask for much. The Price is Right usually happened every morning, along with Survivor on Wednesday nights. She definitely had her list of favorites, like casinos for instance.

In closing, Rae Ann fills the hearts of those who love her most with an eternal joy, because she will forever live in our hearts. We miss you.​

Please join family and friends to celebrate the life of Rae Ann Roper on Saturday, June 18, 2022 from 1-5 PM at Lauderdale City Hall, 1891 Walnut St., Lauderdale.

In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to the family.