Arnolda Johanna Rokeh

Arnolda Johanna Rokeh was born March 22nd 1933 in Amsterdam, Netherlands. She was the 5th of six children of Arnoldus and Johanna Klepper. Growing up in Amsterdam, her youth was interrupted by the Nazi occupation of the Netherlands. These were years of great suffering for her family and the Dutch people leading up to the 'hunger winter' of 1944/1945 when tens of thousands died of starvation and exposure. Her seven-year-old brother lost his life in February of that winter at the hands of a Nazi soldier. People would be amazed to know her formal education ended that horrible year at age 12.

In 1957 she met her future husband Verlyn Rokeh while he was serving in the US Army. She immigrated to the United States, and on February 5th, 1958 they were married in Minneapolis, MN. Arnolda thought she was marrying into a small family as Verlyn told her he had 3 siblings. She learned after they were wed that three were actually 14 brothers and sisters.

They settled in Sioux Falls, SD. While working and raising two boys she attended night school for accounting/bookkeeping and tax preparation. For three decades she managed women's retail clothing stores. She excelled in everything she attempted; ceramics, knitting, crocheting, needlepoint and even bowling. She loved being around family and her many friends. She kept in close touch with her Dutch siblings and their families.

Holidays were always special. You could expect her home decorated for the appropriate season with a selection of themed cookies. She loved cookies.

After Verlyn's retirement in the early 90s, they moved to Winter Park, FL where she continued to reside until her passing. In retirement, she continued to stay active with travel, numerous local adventures, and attending many University of Central Florida Football, Basketball and Baseball games. In recent years while her physical health remained strong, her memory began to fade. She never forgot to say thank you!

One thing remained a constant throughout her life, she was always happy and never complained.

Arnolda is survived by her husband of 68 years Verlyn, two sons, Gregory (Renee), Jeffrey, four grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, numerous nieces, nephews, grand nieces, and grand nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, four sisters, one brother, and 14 sisters/brothers-in-law.

Memorial service plans are incomplete at this time, but anticipated to be in Russell, MN the last weekend of June.