Roger Owen McKee
August 18, 2012
Roger Owen McKee, 79, of Altoona, passed away from complications of Alzheimer’s disease on August 18, 2012, at Trinity Center in Des Moines.
Roger was born November 4, 1932, in Macksburg, Iowa, to Gerald and Mabel McKee. He graduated from Macksburg High School, and married Donna Johnson on August 17, 1951, at the Little Brown Church in Nashua, IA. He was a member of the Altoona United Methodist Church for 52 years.
Roger was a mechanic for Sears and retired from the Iowa Army National Guard as a Lt. Colonel in 1982. In “retirement” he worked for the Iowa State Fair Maintenance Department. He was proud to support Drake Basketball and was an usher at both men’s and women’s games for many years. He also loved attending and cheering at his grandchildren’s athletic events.
Roger is survived by his wife of 61 years, Donna; four daughters, Connie (Steve) Lahl of Chillicothe, IL, Janice (Michael) Leconte of Plant City, Fl, Tricia (Scott) McClain of Altoona, IA, and Lisa (Patrick) Bruner of Pleasant Hill, IA; 11 grandchildren, Brice (Emily) Lahl, Andy Lahl, Katy (Clint) Baum, Michael (Ingrid) McClain, Patrick (Stephanie) McClain, Kyle McClain, Avery Gaston, Meaghan (Donnie) Kay, Molly Bruner, Matthew Bruner, and Anyi Overlin; and 8 great-grandchildren, Joshua Lahl, Cameron Kay, Kaliana Baum, Moses McClain, Owen Kay, Mya McClain, Claire Lahl, Caelin Baum; and to complete the circle of life another great-grandchild is due in December; 5 sisters, Lucille (Art) Brown, Patterson, IA, Maxine Anderson, Dayton, OH, Afada (Dwight) Silverthorn, Mesa, AZ, Iola (Marvin) Chickering, Algona, IA and Carlotta (Ken) Wilcox, Loveland, CO; 4 brothers, Lyman (Lola), Mesa, AZ, Bill, Winterset, IA, Melvin (Dorie), Eden Prairie, MN, and Larry (Ivy), Houston, TX; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents; and brother, Frances McKee.
Funeral services will be, 10:00 a.m., Thursday, August 23, 2012, at Altoona United Methodist Church, 602 5th Avenue SW, with burial to follow at Altoona Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 5 to 8 p.m., Wednesday, August 22, at Hamilton’s near Highland Memory Gardens, 121 NW 60th Avenue, Des Moines.
Memorial contributions may be made in Roger’s name to the Altoona United Methodist Church or the Iowa State Fair.
The family would like to thank the Trinity Center staff and Iowa Health Hospice for their care, concern, love, and support throughout the past year.
Online condolences may be made to:
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com
Gail Carney
08/23/2012
Janice I was so sorry to hear about your dad. God bless you and your family during this time.
Gene and Connie Capehart, Bill and Lila capehart a
08/21/2012
Our condolences to the McKee family for the loss of Roger, He will be missed by all who knew him and he is now walking the streets of gold with his brother Mac, his parents and all his friends who have gone before him. May God give you comfort at this time
Missy Hanson
08/21/2012
Grand pa McKee always had a smile on his face. I remember picking cherries with him, Grand ma McKee & my best friend Meaghan 15 years ago. My condolences for the family! You are in my thoughts & prayers.
Eric and Cheryl Gobble
08/21/2012
Our sincere condolences to all of the McKee family members at this difficult time, with the assurances that Roger, Dad, Grandpa,and Great-Grandpa is in a better place. Our Thoughts and Prayers are with you all, with special wishes to Connie, Steve and the rest of the Lahl Family - Eric and Cheryl Gobble
Saundra Stuart
08/21/2012
My condolences to the McKee family. I know that time heals. The family is bound together by all of the love they have for each one. Roger was proud of everyone. Donna, take care and know that prayers are said for you and your family
Kristy & Jon Steele
08/21/2012
Thoughts and prayers are with your family and friends this week. Your loss is great because of the type of man Roger was- loving, caring, wise, and kind. He is free.
Praying for comfort and peace. May you all find love and joy in your memories.
Blessings--
Kristy, Jon & Tessa Steele
Larry and Nancy Edwards
08/21/2012
Donna,
Larry and I won't be able to attend the service for Roger, but we wanted you and your family to know how sorry we are for your loss. Roger was a wonderful, funny, kind, and generous neighbor and he will be missed by all.
Thinking of you and your family, Nancy
Kathy Shepherd
08/20/2012
Words cannot express the loss the McKee family is enduring, but heaven has a new angel! May God hold you in His arms as you grieve the loss of Uncle Roger. Love you all! ~Kathy