Roger Neetz

1920 - 2022

Every beginning has an end. Born July 20, 1920, Roger was a child of the roaring twenties, experienced the struggles of the depression years, served his country during WW Il, and became part of the greatest generation before his departure on 8/19/2022 at Indian River Estates. Each step of his life was a learning process. Education was the path to success, and returning the gifts of life to others was his primary interest in his retirement years. After graduation from Emmaus High School in 1937 and employment with Rodale Press and Government Service, he served in the US Army Air Corps from 1942 to 1945 as a Bombardier with the 8th Air Force, completing 35 missions and awarded the Air Medal with 5 clusters. His choice to attend Georgetown University's School of Foreign Service led to careers with CIA, Department of Agriculture as an Attaché in Germany and the USSR and ending his government service with OICD, Office of International Cooperation and Development, as Deputy Administrator for implementing scientific and technical exchange programs in 25 countries. Author of more than 35 articles on international cooperation, trade, agricultural policy, commodity programs and negotiator for agreements on agricultural cooperation, led to several achievement awards, including, The International Honor Award from OICD. During his tenure with the Department of Agriculture, he also served a term as the Executive Director of OPEDA, Organization of Professional Employees of the Department of Agriculture. Married in 1950 to Victoria Malko, the union lasted 53 years before cancer ended a fruitful life of harmony that included academic achievements, development of childcare programs, travel, and community services. In his retirement years, Roger served as a High School volunteer teacher in Stuart and South Fork Schools, gave lectures to senior organizations on foreign policy, taught English to immigrants, and authored six novels. The last leaf in his family tree he leaves behind eleven nephews and nieces and a growing bundle of young children to carry the message of love and good will into eternity. Visitation will be held at St. John of the Cross in Vero Beach, FL in the Narthex of the church on Thursday, October 13, 2022 at 10:00am followed by a Memorial Mass at 11:00am. A Committal Service and Military Honors will take place 11:30am, October 15, 2022 at Gate of Heaven Cemetery: 13801 Georgia Avenue, Silver Spring, Maryland. Remembrance gifts can be sent to VNA Hospice House, 1110 35th Lane, Vero Beach, FL 32960. Arrangements by Strunk Funeral Hones & Crematory, Vero Beach, FL. A guestbook is available at www.strunkfuneralhome.com