Rob died unexpectedly on Wednesday, January 8, 2025 at his home in Montevideo at the age of 61.
Robert Loren Jepma, was born on March 30, 1963 in Morris, MN to Robert and Margaret (Schuster) Jepma. He grew up in Hancock, MN where he attended school and graduated in 1982. Following his passion for the culinary arts, Rob pursued studies in chef training and restaurant management at Willmar Technical College.
On August 18, 1984, Rob married Darla Reinhart in Gibbon, MN and together they built a life filled with love and family, raising four children.
Over the years Rob’s career was diverse. To name a few, he managed several Hardee’s in the early to mid 90’s and then, in true Rob fashion, bought and ran not only one, but three businesses: a bar, ‘Jeppe’s Happy Hour’; an upholstery business, ‘Hancock Upholstery’ and an antique store, ‘Another Man’s Treasure’ in his hometown of Hancock. He went on to own and run Jeppes in Boyd and the Sandtrap in Dawson. He managed several Dunn Brothers Coffee in the metro area and since 2019, he was the manager of the American Legion Post #69 in Granite Falls. He sold insurance through M.G. Inc. and was even an ordained minister.
Rob was a proud member of the sons of the American Legion, Fraternal Order of Eagles #2334 and dedicated over 25 years to the Montevideo Fiesta Days celebration. He made many lasting friendships and connections over the years time to the Hancock, Dawson, Boyd, Granite Falls, Montevideo and surrounding communities.
In his leisure time he enjoyed antiquing, gardening and collecting. He collected Hamm’s, Coca-Cola, elephants and rocks. He had an obsession with hostas. He was a dancing fool and never missed the opportunity to cut a rug. His greatest pride and joy were his kids and grandkids. He had a unique bond with each grandkid and spent many nights at the theater with the boys for movie night. He enjoyed watching the grandkids grow up and beamed with pride at their sporting events. He made people feel happy and welcome and wasn’t just the life of the party, he was the party.
Rob’s legacy lives on through his loving wife Darla; their children: Cory (Ashley) Jepma of Montevideo, Andrew (Heather) Jepma of Montevideo, Tiffany (Jeff) Riley of Pierz, MN and Allyee Jepma of Haleiwa, HI; and his cherished grandchildren: Saul, Carter, Kelan, Landon and Lily. He is also survived by his sisters: Teresa (Maurice) Smith, Rena (Mike) Krohn, Sara (Joe) Hesse and numerous nieces, nephews, extended family and a lifetime of countless friends.
Rob was preceded in death by his parents, Bobby and Maggie Jepma; his in-laws, Donald and Elaine Reinhart; brother-in-law, Michael Reinhart and his beloved canine best friend, Paco.
