Roy Adolf Gelpke

Roy Adolf Gelpke, 95 passed away on June 29, 2025. He was born in Philadelphia, PA on July 6, 1929 to Adolf and Ellen Foster Gelpke. He grew up in Brookline and Armore, PA. Roy had 2 older sisters Ellen Craun and Marjorie White who are deceased. Roy married Gloria Davies in 1953. After Gloria’s death, he married Barbara Howald in 2017 (deceased). He is survived by a younger sister, Constance Macinko of Boulder, CO and three children: Margot Burks (Mike), Elizabeth (Libby) Ginther (Jeff) and David Gelpke (Nancy). Roy also had 7 grandchildren: Carolyn Alig Collins (Chancellor), Abigail Ginther Kaercher (Dan), Danielle Ginther (Peter), Jeffrey Ginther (Hannah), Valerie Ginther (Ethan), Hodge Gelpke and Gabrielle Gelpke Hanson (Jack). Roy also had 14 great grandchildren: Caleb, Corine and Chloe Collins; Joy, Marcus, Paul and Lukas; Heidi, Iona, Thea and Georgia; Jubilee, Hadley, and Hezekiah Ginther.

Roy graduated from Yale University in 1951 in engineering and obtained a Masters in Industrial Engineering from the University of Toledo in 1958. He also attended management courses at Hillsdale College.

Roy served in the United States Marine Corps from 1948-1960. He trained at Quantico, VA while at Yale and was commissioned to 2nd Lieutenant June 10, 1951. He served at Pendleton, CA, and Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii. Roy’s military service was interrupted by the end of the Korean War and meeting a Canadian nurse in Hawaii – Gloria Davies. Roy remained in the reserves until 1960 and separated as a Captain.

As an industrial engineer, Roy’s professional career focused on manufacturing management. He worked for Dana Corporation, FMC, Link Belt and Meyer Plastics. He retired in 1999.

Roy enjoyed water sports and golf. He grew up going to the Jersey Shore at Ocean City, NJ. He continued that tradition with his 3 children – meeting his parents and sister’s families for a week at “the shore.” Roy also loved water skiing and taught his children. He waterskied well into his 80’s. Roy loved golf and also played in his 80’s and neighborhood events in his 90’s. Other hobbies included Bridge and Cribbage.

Beginning in 1978, Roy began attending Men’s Bible Study Fellowship and continued through May 2025. He was a member of College Park Church and attended The Bridgewater Men’s Bible study for many years. He was active in Sertoma, a men’s service club and the Marine Corps League. He was a member of the Society of Automotive Engineers.

According to Roy’s personal biography that he presented to Sertoma, his goal in his later years was to have patience, compassion, be helpful and productive. He wanted cheerful conversation, lots of laughs and a joyful heart. Above all, he wanted to be worthy of life here on earth in gratitude to his Savior Jesus Christ.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Roy's memory may be made to College Park Church.