Rogie Rogenmoser

Richard "Rogie" Rogenmoser, 84, passed away Sept. 18, 2017. He died from pneumonia complications, and was in his home, surrounded by family.

Rogie loved growing up in Lockport, NY, the childhood friends he made there, and returning for DeSales High reunions. He excelled at football, basketball, and art. He tried out for the Marquette freshman basketball team, and survived all but the final cut. He lived very frugally while in college, and couldn't afford a car, but got around on a scooter. He made lifetime friends while in Milwaukee, and all three of his groomsmen returned to Topeka to celebrate his 60th wedding anniversary.

He and Nancy lived in Peoria and Omaha before settling in Topeka in 1959. He worked his entire career for Caterpillar, and rose to the level of Senior Vice-President at Martin Tractor Company. He loved his work, and taught all six of his kids a great work ethic. He loved fixing up the house on Plass. He strove to be a good neighbor and loved the neighbors on Plass. He helped many people with their home improvement projects, and was exceptionally handy. He even built a two-car garage for the house on Plass. He was an avid golfer, and recorded three aces in his retirement years. He loved his golf buddies, especially his dear friend, Smitty. At the age of 70, he ended a 50 year artistic gap and began doing oil paintings. The walls of his home and those of his children are covered with his landscape masterpieces.

He loved taking care of and providing for Nancy; seeing them dance together was a thing of beauty. He loved to travel, and drove all over the country with his wife and kids in a station wagon. He was so proud of his six children and 16 grand-children, and was overjoyed to become a great grandparent earlier this year. He was happy and content, and invested heavily in the lives of his family and friends. He loved lawn care, chores, and keeping his cars clean. He always believed in doing the right thing, and often told his loved ones to, "have fun, do your best, and don't forget to smile". He was a huge fan of a daily nap, and referred to a good nap as a "rogie".

The way he fought through his many health issues over the years was an inspiration to many, especially his children. He rarely complained, and we all think of him as our hero.

He is survived by his wife, Nancy, his sister, Marie Weber, children Diane, Mary Kay (Gregg), Bill (Patty), Beth (Greg), Karen, Trish (Steve), grandchildren Matthew, Scott, Ryan (Kim) Seth, Kelly, David (Amanda), Michael, Eric (Melanie), Kyla, Benjamin, Katie, Ryan, Sam, Zach, Jacob, Ethan, and great-grandchildren Evelyn and Benjamin.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Washburn Institute of Technology or The American Heart Association.

Memorial service will be at 1:00 pm, Thursday, September 21, 2017 at Mount Hope Cemetery, Funeral Chapel, and Reception Center, 4700 SW 17, Topeka, Kansas. Gathering immediately following the service.

To leave a special message for Rogie's family, please visit the guestbook below.