Henry Treptau Obituary

Henry Treptau, 92, of New Hope, MN, died Sunday, July 20, 2025, at Northgate Care Center in Waukon, IA. A family memorial service will take place at a preplanned family event at Village Creek Bible Camp, with a graveside service on Tuesday, August 19th, at 3:00 PM at Crystal Lake Cemetary with a light refreshments following at Faith Baptist Church. Martin-Grau Funeral Home in Waukon assisted the family.

Henry Treptau was born on December 6, 1932, in present-day Ukraine, the fifth of seven children to Dietrich and Susanne (Engel) Treptau. His family was part of the German diaspora-colonists invited to settle in Russia generations earlier. When Henry was just five years old, his family was forced to leave and resettled first near the city of Wetzlar and ended up in Neumünster, Germany, where they built a life rooted in resilience, resourcefulness, and faith.

Growing up during World War II, Henry experienced the hardships of war firsthand-bombs falling near their home, fires on rooftops, and the absence of older siblings who had gone off to fight. Yet, through it all, his family remained close-knit and grateful. Their large garden, livestock, and knowledge of the land helped them survive and share with neighbors in need. These early years instilled in Henry a strong work ethic and a deep sense of stewardship.

Henry's father worked for the railroad, and each family member received two free travel tickets each year-a gift that sparked Henry's lifelong love of travel. After attending business school and beginning a career with Siemens, Henry took a leave of absence to visit the United States. He stayed with relatives in Minneapolis and began attending Faith Baptist Church in North Minneapolis, where he met lifelong friends Jeannette and Hans Orsch, and a young woman named Edith Palfenier-the daughter of a traveling pastor. Their friendship blossomed into love, and Henry often said that marrying Edith was one of his greatest blessings. They were married on July 25, 1959, and shared more than 60 years together.

Henry and Edith began their life together living with her parents. Henry worked at Munsingwear, managing a large computer room, and they eventually built a home in New Hope, Minnesota, where they raised their three sons-Michael, Victor, and Thomas. That home became a hub of love, laughter, and faith, surrounded by neighbors who became lifelong friends.

Henry was a man of many interests-he loved soccer (both playing and refereeing), water and snow skiing, lawn care, travel, and most of all, spending time with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. But above all, Henry and Edith's greatest joy was their church. They believed deeply in supporting their pastors and their families, quietly serving behind the scenes with wisdom, generosity, and grace.

Henry's faith was quiet but unwavering. He was a man of prayer, a wise steward, and a faithful servant. His legacy is not only in the life he lived, but in the lives of those he loved-his three sons, their spouses, and all his grandchildren have put their faith in Jesus. That enduring legacy is a testament to the seeds of faith he and Edith planted and nurtured over a lifetime.

In his later years, Henry often said, "I've had such a good life and am so blessed," and "God has given me a new day-nothing to complain about, the sun came up again." His gratitude and trust in God never wavered.

Henry was preceded in death by his parents; his beloved wife Edith; and all his siblings and their spouses. He is survived by his children: Michael and Sherri Treptau of Houston, Texas, and their children: Chris and Reba Treptau, Matt and Artiss Treptau, Kayli and Jay Roach and their three children: Victor and Judy Treptau of Willmar, Minnesota, and their children: Zach and Courtney Treptau and their two children: Josh and Katie Treptau and their two children: and Cody Treptau; Tom and Camie Treptau of Lansing, Iowa, and their children: Andrea and Ethan Esposito and their son TJ and Abby Treptau, Micah and Neve Treptau, and Tobias Treptau.

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