Roger Kuchta

1936 - 2020

EDWARDSVILLE — Roger (ROG) Kuchta passed away at, 83 years of age, on Wednesday, March 4, 2020.

His family surrounded Rog with love in their home that shows the work of his skilled hands. Rog was born in Chicago, Illinois, on Aug. 29, 1936, the son of the late Raymond L. and Evelyn (Herdegen) Kuchta.

Rog learned from his parents to be a caring person. Roger was raised Catholic then joined St. John's United Methodist Church. He married Rose Marie Compton, the "girl next door", on Dec. 27, 1959 in St. John's Chapel.

They lived in Brentwood, Missouri, when first married. In Aug. 1962 they returned to North Kansas Street in Edwardsville after purchasing a home across from both their parents. Their sons could cross the street for love and visits. Later his granddaughters came across to see their "Gung-Gung".

Rog is survived by his wife, Rosie; sons Keith Kuchta (fiancée Marla Feeney) and Brian (Carrie) Kuchta; granddaughters, Stella Kuchta and Scarlett Kuchta; sisters, Marilyn (Frank) Chandler and Kathy (Rich) Lohr; brother-in-law, Tanner H. Compton; first cousins, including Greg (Andrea) Anderson and Ann (Pete) Field, Judy Moe, Julie Henning and Jim Kuchta; first cousin once removed Sara, Heidi, Steve, Chris and their children Emilie, Stewart, Ben, Noah, Akiko, Chiaki; nephews, Todd Lohr and Bob (Chris) Compton; nieces, Jennie Chandler, Mandy Chandler, Lisa (Ron) Long and Patty (Jay) Made; Grandnephews Jarod, Brett and Will; grandnieces Ava, Lauren, Katie, Brandi, Alex, Lauren, Danielle and Rebecca; great-grandnieces Kaitlyn, Shelby and Taylor

Besides his parents, Rog was preceded in death by a sister, Georgia Kuchta; four uncles; five aunts including 'Auntie' Clarice and Uncle Roy Anderson; a nephew, Frank L.(Butch) Chandler; cousins, including Eleanor Kauffman, Joe Burke and Lawrence Herdegen Jr.; two grand-twin nephews James and Christopher Mader; father-in-law, W.Tanner Compton and mother-in-law, Monnie (Handley) Compton; and sister-in-law, Marjorie (Johnson) Compton.

Rog and his family moved from the Chicago area to Edwardsville, Illinois, in 1949. He attended Jr Hi at Columbus and graduated from Edwardsville High School with the Class of 1955. In 1957, Rog received an Associate Degree in Machine Tool Technology from the Vocational Technical Institute at Southern Illinois University at Carbondale. He honed his machinist skills at various shops in the St. Louis-Edwardsville area. Fifteen years were spent at Shell Refinery in Wood River, Illinois. He retired as a machinist in 2008.

During his lifetime, Roger helped family and friends with his skills by working on their homes, fabricating iron work, repairing machines, and making needed parts. He could be depended on to share his expertise with others. His sons learned from their dad to be men of many talents.

Rog was happiest when he had a project. A family memory is that he wanted a swimming pool at a young age. He dug a rectangle about twelve inches deep, lined it with a tarp and enjoyed it with his sisters. In 1971, he finally built his pool. Even after he could no longer get in the pool, it brought him joy when his granddaughters would come to swim. He loved his daughter-in-law, Carrie, whom the family relied on day and night for her nursing skills and tender care during these difficult weeks.

He belonged to the Big Buckle Club (a small group of men who met for fellowship and to talk about what they had to trade and how to barter fairly), the National Field Archery Association and the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers.

Rog requested his body be donated to Washington University. There will be no visitation. The family will gather at a later date to share memories of our loved one, Rog.

Instead of donations, please honor Rog by helping someone in need.

Weber & Rodney Funeral Home in Edwardsville, is in charge of arrangements.

Condolences may be expressed online at weberfuneralhome.com.