Obituary - Virgil R Roppel

1924 - 2026

PASSED AWAY ON MONDAY, MAY 18, 2026

It is with profound sadness that the Roppel family announces the passing of Virgil Roppel, co-founder of Roppel Industries, who peacefully passed away surrounded by his children at the age of 101.

Born on August 28, 1924, Virgil lived a life defined by service, hard work, integrity, generosity, and devotion to both his family and community. At just 17 years old, he joined the United States Navy in December of 1941 following the attack on Pearl Harbor. During World War II, he proudly served aboard an aircraft carrier in the Pacific Theater before returning home in 1945. The discipline, resilience, and sense of duty he carried from his military service would become the foundation for the way he lived the rest of his life.

In 1947, Virgil helped found Roppel Industries, building the company from the ground up alongside his family. What began as a small business grew into a respected name throughout the industry, rooted in strong values, meaningful relationships, and a commitment to doing things the right way. For nearly eight decades, Virgil’s leadership, vision, and work ethic helped shape not only the company, but also the countless employees, customers, and friends whose lives he impacted along the way.

Virgil was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 57 years, Peggy Rose McMearty Roppel, with whom he shared a lifetime of love, family, and memories; his daughter-in-law, Christine Roppel; his parents, Edward J and Caroline M. (Denkler) Roppel; sisters, Helen Young, Rita Steedly, Carolyn Linebach; and brothers, Edward, Cletus, John and Jerome Roppel.

To his family, he was lovingly known as “PawPaw.” He was a devoted father, grandfather, great-grandfather, mentor, and friend who always made time for others. Whether helping someone in need, offering advice and encouragement, or simply sharing a conversation, Virgil had a remarkable ability to make people feel valued and welcomed. His kindness, humility, and generosity left a lasting impression on everyone fortunate enough to know him.

Virgil believed deeply in treating people the right way, standing behind your word, and building relationships that lasted a lifetime. Those principles became the foundation of both his family and the business he helped build, and they continue to guide Roppel Industries today.

He is survived by his children, Vince Roppel, Maureen Roppel, Linda Roppel, Peggy Wheeler (Doug), Rob Roppel (Ruth), and Tom Roppel (Sheree); 11 grandchildren; and 21 great-grandchildren; with generations of family continuing the legacy he worked so hard to build.

His legacy lives on through the family he cherished, the company he helped create, the people he mentored, and the countless lives he touched over 101 extraordinary years.

The Roppel family celebrates a truly remarkable life and legacy and will forever be grateful for the love, wisdom, and example Virgil gave to so many.

His funeral Mass was celebrated at 11 a.m. on Friday, May 29, 2026 at St. Edward Catholic Church, 9608 Sue Helen Drive, Jeffersontown, KY with burial in Calvary Cemetery. Visitation was from 3 – 8 pm Thursday, May 28, 2026 at Ratterman & Sons Funeral Home- Jeffersontown, 10600 Taylorsville Road, Jeffersontown, KY.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to American Legion GI Joe Post # 244 , 3408 College Drive, Jeffersontown, KY. 40299