Roger attended Elliott Elementary and Whittier Junior High and graduated from Lincoln High School in 1964. He graduated with an Associate Degree in Computer Science from Southeast Community College in Milford, Nebraska.
Roger served with the Army Reserve 89th Division based in Lincoln as Sargent 1st class from 1965 – 1973.
In 1975, he met his wife Kathleen (Franz) and they were married on November 21, 1976, at Bethesda Mennonite Church in Henderson, NE. To this happy union two sons were born, Andrew (1979) and Daniel (1981).
Roger worked for the Nebraska Department of Roads as a Right-of-Way Agent, Local Project Administrator, and Chief Negotiator/Relocation Manager for 43 years. Roger received “The Sower Meritorious Service Award” and was dubbed an Admiral in the Great Navy of the State of Nebraska upon his retirement in 2014.
After placing his faith in Christ, he was baptized, and remained a long-time member of Indian Hills Community Church. Roger was an avid Husker fan, Saltdog supporter, and seasoned world traveler. He served as a den leader and soccer coach for his boys as they grew up. He was a dedicated grandfather who loved to spend time with his family. Roger had a quiet sense of humor and loved to tell stories.
He is survived by his wife, Kathy of 49 years; son Andy and wife Amanda: grandchildren Brook and Jason; son Dan and wife Andria: grandchildren Seth, April and Mitchell; brother Richard (Carol) Ripley; sister Amy Ripley Dusenbery; brother-in-law Greg (Janet) Franz; five nieces and nephews including Michael (Melissa) Ripley, Aaron (Ginny) Ripley, Lars (Holly) Hakensen, Christa (Shaun) Fulmer, and Melissa Dusenbery.
Memorial service: 11:00 am Saturday, June 20, 2026, Indian Hills Community Church, 1000 S. 84th Street. Prior private interment.
Visitation with family greeting friends from 6-7:30 pm Friday, June 19, 2026, Roper and Sons South Chapel, 3950 Hohensee Drive.
Memorials to the family for future designation.
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