Kip Lee Rogen
May 21, 2011
Kip Lee Rogen, 15, died early May 21 from injuries sustained in a car accident. Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Thursday, May 26, 2011, at Rising Sun Church of Christ, 6390 NE Rising Sun Drive in Pleasant Hill. Visitation will be held from 3 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, at Hamilton’s Funeral Home, 605 Lyon Street.
Kip was born August 24, 1995, to John and Karla Rogen at Mercy Medical Center in Des Moines, Iowa. During his short 15 years Kip had a lasting impact on many, many people.
Kip attended Mercy Daycare and Shining Stars. He then began his education at Pleasant Hill Elementary School and Hoyt Middle School in Des Moines, before attending Des Moines East High School his freshman and part of his sophomore year. In January he transferred to Southeast Polk High where he quickly found a home both in the classroom and on the athletic fields.
Kip loved sports and he excelled at several different levels. He got an early start in baseball playing with Pleasant Hill Little League and also on several youth AAU baseball teams. After transferring to Southeast Polk High School in January, he was preparing to play baseball and football for the Rams this summer and fall. He also was a member of the freshman and sophomore East High School football teams, and earned an athletic letter at East High as a freshman on the varsity team. Kip was always up for a game of tennis, round of golf, movie night or any other endeavor his friends came up with.
Still, it wasn’t only on the sports fields where Kip’s star shined brightly. Whether hanging out with friends, playing a practical joke, spending time at his grandparents’ farm in rural Perry or in the classroom, Kip had a gregarious, engaging personality that was a true gift to those around him.
Those left to cherish his life and memories include his parents, John and Karla Rogen of Des Moines; grandparents, Jasper and Leverne Rogen of Cedar Rapids and June Pitsenbarger of Perry; uncles and aunts, Donald (Susan) Rogen, Janice Rogen (Alan Cart) and Susan (Rick) Rissman all of Cedar Rapids, Gerald (Natalie) Rogen of Corpus Christi, Texas; Derry (Joyce) Pitsenbarger of Perry and Doyce Pitsenbarger of Aloha, Oregon; and many cousins, other extended relatives and special friends. He was preceded in death by his grandfather, Dale Pitsenbarger.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to Community Choice Credit Union, Kip Rogen Memorial Fund.
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com
Karrie Thorpe
02/15/2017
The Brother I was waiting to meet....
Meet you on MY day'''''xoxoxo
Guy and Kay Bush
05/26/2011
Dear Karla and John,
We are so very sorry to hear about Kip. Please know that we will be keeping your family in our thoughts and prayers.
John E. Eatwell
05/26/2011
Hello Karla, I was a patient of yous last Dec. at West Lakes. I would like extend my heartfelt symphathy to you and your family. I can't imagine the loss you are feeling. I beleive that God will be with you and help you though this. Hope to see you at the joint reunion in June. My Wife and my pryers are with you. Sincerely, John & Wanda Eatwell
Virginia Jennings
05/26/2011
Dear Karla,
You cannot imagine the shock of reading about the untimely death of Kip when I opened up my eamil today. But our shock is nothing compared to yours.
My "coach and friend" - Sr. Joan - are holding you and your family in very close prayer these days.
These are times when words are inadequate - sometimes one just has to surrender to the mystery of "why". And to know that others are there to share your pain and loss. May the love of so many strengthen you and bring you some measure of comfort.
I minister at SS John and Paul Parish in Altoona so if down the road, you need a listening ear - please do not hestitate to call.
In the meantime, know of our prayers and concern.
Sister Virginia Jennings
Sister Joan Hosch
Tom Young
05/25/2011
I am so very sorry. Kip was one of my favorite students. I had him for so many classes. What a loss. If there is anything I can do let me know.
God Bless,
Tom
A SE Polk parent
05/25/2011
My thoughts and prayers go out to you at this difficult time.
As a parent, I can only imagine the pain that you are in.
Shannon Shane&Scott Sullivan
05/25/2011
Karla, My heart hurts so much for you. I know how close you and Kip are, There are many tears shed and many hearts broken now and forever. You are in our thoughts, and prayers. Kip will never be forgotten.If you ever need anything,please know that so many people are here for you.
Mrs. B. (Boring)
05/24/2011
Karla,
My heart goes out to you right now with the loss of Kip. I can't even imagine losing my son. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers as you grieve over the loss of him.
Mrs. B. (Boring)
Hoyt Middle School Math teacher
The Rocha Family
05/24/2011
Dear Karla and Family,
We are sorry for your loss. Although no words can really help to ease the loss you bear, just know that you are very close in every thought and prayer.
We met you when we moved into our new home in same neigborhood that we live.
Pedro & Kip went to Hoyt and East. They became friend since then. They played football for the same team and had a lot fun all the time.
You, my husband and I never missed a football game. Pedro remembers when they went to ride their bikes and came back all muddy. Kip enjoyed eating with us deep fried mexican tacos.
We will always remebered him, he was part of our family too.
Amalio, Maria, Pedro, Jazel and Esteban Rocha
VICKI MILLER
05/24/2011
Karla and John,
I don't know if you remember me or not since it has been such a long time. I was Kip's teacher at Mercy Daycare; room 211 in the Toddler area. I always so enjoyed Kip. I have fond memories of many of the children under my care while I worked at the Daycare. Kip and you were always some of my favorite people. He always had such a big smile and was always so eager to learn and try new things. I loved him dearly.
I can only imagine the heartache you are going through. There are no words that will comfort you, but please know that I am thinking of you. I no longer live in DSM; I live in Ankeny and work at Mercy North. If you ever want a shoulder to cry on or just someone to talk to, feel free to contact me. My home number is 964-4660 or you can send me an email through our Mercy email system.
Once again, I want to tell you how very sorry I am for your loss.
Sincerely, Vicki Miller
Janet Williamson
05/24/2011
Hello Karla, I don't know if you remember me but we were roommates way back when. I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I feel your pain. I did not know Kip of course but he is your son, so he had to be special. Just know you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Chris McGillis
05/24/2011
Dear Karla,
I am a recent greatful knee replacement patient who feels very fortunate to have met you. You will need to practice all the strength you exhibit in your work environment. My heart and prayers go out to you and your family.
Maggie Moore
05/24/2011
Dear Karla and Family,
I am so sorry to learn about this tragic news. (I used to work in Employee Health at Mercy, so I know Karla from work. I work at Mercy College now.) It looks like your son led a very full life and was a terrific kid. I am sure that he touched many lives and will be missed terribly. He was a handsome guy. I have a son that is about the same age, and I cannot imagine how difficult this must be for you. Please know that I will be praying for you and your entire family during this time. I am so sorry for your loss.
~Sincerly,
Maggie Moore
Amy Forbes
05/24/2011
Karla & John,
We are so sorry to hear about Kip. We have a lot of great memories of him and baseball....especially the Mother/Son baseball game we had when the boys were little. I've spent many years sitting on those hard bleachers with you. Thinking about you and your family a lot right now. If you ever need anything, I'm here.
Amy Forbes, Riley & Connor Bacon
Lowell and Jan Heinemann
05/23/2011
Our sincere sympathy for you in the loss of your son. One of his friends, Cody Smith, is our grandson and I've been reading his mom's posts. Such a difficult thing for parents to go through.