Tributes

Merle was born February 18, 1941, in Bottineau, North Dakota. He was the youngest of four children. His parents were Adele V. Hlavnicka and Robert H. Kroeplin. He attended Fargo State College for one year and Minot business college for one year. He married Julie Y. Johnson on September 14, 1962. Together they had two children, Curtis and DeAnn. They have nine grandchildren, and six great grandchildren. He farmed with his father for seven years. In 1969, he brought his family to Orlando for six months to check out the area. He worked for Palmer Electric. In the spring, he took the family back to Bottineau and farmed for one more season. He knew then that Florida was where he wanted to make his permanent home. In October 1970, he sold their home, packed up their furniture, deep freeze full of meat and other possessions in his Internation grain truck, pulling their 1968 Pontiac and headed to Orlando. He worked in several different fields of construction. In 1975, he started Kroeplin Irrigation. Because of health reasons, he retired at age 59. His son, Curtis, took over the company and ran it until he retired in 2025. His grandson, Kyle, has now taken over the company. Keeping Orlando wet for 50 years! Merle was a very active and dedicated member of Prince of Peace Lutheran Church for 54 years and served for many years. Merle was always willing to lend a helping hand wherever it was needed. He was always a hard worker and was not afraid to get his hands dirty. He could assess any problem and come up with an innovative solution, whether that would involve welding, engineering something, moving things around with a tractor, or just general maintenance. Merle was involved in several ministries, including MOPs (Men of Peace) and the Men in the Morning group. Merle faithfully volunteered with the Food Pantry serving our community with generosity and care. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Prince of Peace courtyard for beautification. If you are unable to physically attend the service in person, please click the photos and videos tab to join the livestream at the time of service. (Saturday, March 28, 2026 from 2:00 pm until 3:00 pm)

Tributes

Merle Don Kroeplin

February 18, 1941 - March 13, 2026