Richard Rogers
February 20, 2017
- Share:
-
-
-
Service Details
Richard Ronald Rogers, 77, passed away peacefully at home on Monday, February 20, 2017 following a brief illness. A visitation will be held with family members present on Saturday, February 25 from 9:00 to 11:00AM at Hamilton’s near Highland Memory Gardens, 121 NW 60th Ave. in Des Moines. Private burial service for the family will take place following the visitation.
Rich was born in Des Moines, Iowa on July 4, 1939 and was a proud attendee of East High School, as well as a graduate of Upper Iowa University. He began his family life at the young age of 18 with 2 boisterous boys, and then waited 8 years for another boy & girl. Surviving Rich are his 4 children; Scott (Sandy) of Altoona, and Steve (Jill), Brad, and Susan (Val), all of West Des Moines, as well as 5 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren (with another due in March). He is also survived by his half-brother Bill Green of Payson, AZ. Rich will be missed by his special friend Carmen Murillo, whom we thank greatly for her help and companionship. He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister. Rich loved to debate many things (including the TRUMP sign in his front yard) but stood steadfast in his pride of family, recently telling all of us how proud he was of each and every one of us.
We firmly believe that his hard working influence continues in our family - Rich began with a career in auto mechanics that had him eventually owning one of the last independent Skelly service stations in the area. He specialized in Volkswagen repair and (knowingly now, we think) subsidized his kid’s auto interests as well as earning a living for their support. He was proud to be selected to make an address to the Association of Petroleum Dealers on the importance of the local service shop, obtained his private pilots license, and was also a long time member of the WDM Fire Dep’t, attaining the rank of Assistant Chief. Later in life, he was glad to offer his services as a certified mediator as well as a driver and volunteer for WDM Human Services.
Memorial contributions, though not necessary, can be made to the family where we would like to make one contribution to a cause that we feel Rich would appreciate.
Condolences may be expressed at:
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com
Scott & Tami Hammerly
02/25/2017
Even though I hadn't seen Uncle Rich in awhile, I always enjoyed visiting with him when we ran into each other. Last time we happen to meet at TOYS R US we were both looking at toys for our grandkids. He always took the time to ask about the family & how his sister was doing which I always appreciated. Please know that our thoughts & prayers are with the family at this most difficult time.
Michael Murillo
02/23/2017
I often felt that some looked upon Rich as being a stern, stubborn man full of experiences and opinion. But the man that I knew was welcoming, encouraging, and very kind above all else. When we shared time it always included great conversations. He always made whatever it was I was doing sound bigger, better and more important than even I thought it was. It took a while for me to understand that he was trying to encourage me to enjoy what I liked and have a fun and full life with family. He was always there to lend support whenever I wanted or needed it. He was never too stern or critical of anything we discussed. He often spoke of the positives of the situations, of good qualities, even some that he envied. That honorable nature provided great guidance for me over the years. I believe that he knew I needed it all. I hope he knew how much I appreciated it all. I will miss our conversations.
Scott & Sandy Rogers
02/20/2017
Gonna miss the old grouchy *&^%$ as one customer called him, though we just called him Grandpa Rich. One for the books was when us 2 oldest sons skipped wrestling practice for lunch at Woolco on 22nd St in WDM and Rich literally towed our car home from the store. After walking from 22nd to 11th St, I believe we learned our lesson. Gonna miss you Dad....