Rob Jepma

Rob died unexpectedly on Wednesday, January 8, 2025 at his home in Montevideo at the age of 61. He will be missed immensely and will forever be in our hearts. 

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30am on Tuesday, January 14, 2025 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Montevideo.

Visitation with the family will be held from 5-7PM on Monday, January 13, 2025 at Anderson-TeBeest Funeral Home in Montevideo and will continue one hour prior to the services at the church on Tuesday.

Robert Loren Jepma, known affectionately as Rob, 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. The Jepma family resided in Willmar for a short time before making their home in Montevideo.

Over the years Rob’s career was diverse, reflecting his entrepreneurial spirit and dedication. 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 and Darla catered numerous weddings, funerals and events over the years together. 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, earning two Commodore Awards. He was a doer and an achiever. He volunteered many years of his life and was involved with it all. He knew what to do and how to get it done and was the king of fundraising. He made many lasting friendships and connections over the years serving and dedicating his 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, and this was just the tip of the iceberg. He had an obsession with hostas and had many unique types. If you were lucky enough, he may have shared a splitting with you. Over the years they traveled to Florida, New York, Michigan, Las Vegas, Deadwood and Hawaii. He was a dancing fool and never missed the opportunity to cut a rug. His true love was Olivia Newton John. 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. Every Mother’s Day he made sure he and the grandboys put together Mother’s Day flower pots to give to Grandma and their moms. He always enjoyed when they’d come over and was proud to pass along his mischievous ways and some colorful language. He will be remembered by his wild, loud personality, lack of a filter and crude sense of humor. 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.