Richard Allen Roeper

Richard Allen Roeper, 87, of Traverse City, passed away peacefully on December 28, 2025, at French Manor Terra.

Richard was born on July 13, 1938, in Evanston, Illinois, to the late Walter and Marion Roeper. He completed his Bachelor of Arts degree at Lawrence University in Appleton, Wisconsin. After earning a Master's degree at Miami University (Ohio), he returned to graduate study at Oregon State University where, in 1972, he was awarded a Ph.D. in mycology.

He accepted a position at Alma College in 1972 and was active not only in teaching but also in professional organizations. He was a member of and served as president of the Michigan Entomological Society from 1994-95, chairperson of Alma's biology department and director of the environmental studies program. Richard was awarded Alma's prestigious Barlow Award for outstanding teaching. He retired as Emeritus Professor of Biology in 2000.

In his retirement, Richard taught part-time at Indiana University East and Ivy Tech College in Richmond, Indiana. Throughout his life he was an environmental activist, working with local conservation organizations in both Michigan and Indiana on agricultural and water quality issues.

In recent years, with renewed interest in invasive ambrosia beetles in the United States, he interacted with current researchers at Iowa State University, Cornell University and in Germany. In 2014 his expertise was honored by the naming of an ambrosia fungus species Ambrosiella roeperii. He was still actively publishing in his 80s.

Beyond science, Richard had many interests. He loved golden retrievers and owned three over 40 years. He cherished trees and gardening, earning his Master Gardener certification through the University of Michigan. He had a particular fondness for hostas and attended many hosta gatherings in Indiana and Ohio. In retirement in Indiana, Richard reworked a four-acre soybean field into a forest.

Richard met Karen Turner Bracey at Alma College, and the two were united in marriage on February 22, 1986, in Alma, Michigan. After Karen's retirement, they moved to Traverse City, where Richard found joy in the wilderness and beauty of Northern Michigan.

He is survived by his loving wife, Karen (Turner) Roeper; his children Carleen (Brian) McCall of Traverse City, Christopher (Brittany) Roeper of Traverse City, Eben (Katha) Roeper of Coupeville, Washington, and his step-daughter Lauren (Stephen) Scheidt of Odenton, Maryland; grandchildren Lucas, Jesse and Finn; niece Deborah and nephews Scott and Randy; and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, David (Barbara) Roeper of Mequon, Wisconsin.
A spring memorial service will be announced at a later date.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the Richard Roeper Endowed Lecture Series at Alma College. The family invites you to visit Richard's website: Click Here to View Website
Kindly share thoughts and memories with his family at www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com .

A Celebration of his life will take place on Saturday, April 18, 2026 at Central United Methodist Church in Traverse City at 11am with a visitation starting at 10am.