Roger E. Wilch

Roger Wilch, 75, of Topeka, passed away August 13, 2018. Roger was born May 7, 1943 in Independence, Missouri, the son of Harold Wilch and Nadine (Land) Wilch. He grew up in Topeka and graduated from Highland Park High School. He attended Kansas State University and Washburn University.

Roger proudly served in the U.S.Army as a helicopter crew chief and gunner from 1965 to 1967. Roger completed his apprenticeship in sheet metal and spent many years working for Kansas Sheet Metal in Topeka. Later, he owned Roger's Lawn Service which he ran with the help of his family. Roger was a trained arborist and enjoyed landscape design, as well.

Roger was active in Boy Scout Troop 40 and earned his Eagle Scout while in high school. As an adult, he was Scout Master of Troop 40. Roger volunteered for many local organizations. In 1996, Roger was nominated and selected to carry the Olympic Torch through Topeka, in honor of his community service. Roger volunteered for many church activities that involved food, including Lenten Breakfasts, Methodist Men's BBQ, and Pancake Day. He worked with other volunteers to design and create the Meditation Garden at Highland Park United Methodist Church.

Roger is survived by his wife, Janice LeGresley, whom he married on August 14, 1965 in Topeka. He is survived also by his daughter and son-in-law, Brenda Wilch Wages and Thad Wages; son, Alan; grandson, Carter; and his sister Joyce Kelly (Lee). Roger was preceded in death by his parents.

Memorial service will be held Saturday August 25, 2018 at 2:00 pm at Highland Park United Methodist Church. Memorial contributions may be made to Topeka Rescue Mission and Highland Park United Methodist Church Meditation Garden.