Roger D. Loper

Roger D. Loper, age 79, of Freeport, IL, passed away peacefully at home on Sunday, November 30, 2025. He and his wife, Marilyn (Stephenson) Loper, relocated to Colorado Springs this past July to be closer to family.

Roger was born in Charlevoix, MI, and was the son of Lester and Mary Loper. He was a graduate of Freeport Senior High School, attended Highland Community College, and served four years with the Air Force in radio communications. He attended basic training in Texas and did stints at bases in California, Oklahoma, and Turkey. While serving, he married his high school sweetheart and wife of 58 years, Marilyn. Roger and Marilyn were married at Faith United Methodist Church and have been members ever since. Upon military discharge, they returned to Freeport where Roger entered the civilian workforce as a draftsman with Microswitch. He later became an insurance agent and owned his own independent agency until his retirement. He enjoyed serving many residents of Freeport and the surrounding communities.

Roger was an avid baseball and softball player well into his 60s and the biggest Chicago Cubs fan you ever met. He was a loving husband, father, and Papa, and cherished his many close friends. In his younger years, he and Marilyn were often found creating trouble with the Pearl City crowd. He also enjoyed the outdoors, camping with Marilyn, as well as occasional fishing with the grandkids.

Roger is survived by his loving wife, Marilyn, children, Jeff (wife Holly) and Marissa (husband Rob), and five grandchildren, Delaney (daughter of Jeff and Holly), Hunter, Chaise, Bryant, and Houston (sons of Marissa and Rob). His loving brother, Terry Loper, lives in Iowa, and his sister, Bonnie (Loper) Lange, of Freeport passed away two days after Roger on December 2. He was also godfather to Jennifer (Ferguson) Holton. He was preceded in death by his parents, Lester and Mary Loper, sister Tawny, and in-laws Bob and Jeanne Stephenson.

A small family service was held in Colorado Springs. You can view a recording of the service at www.rogerlopermemorial.com. A Celebration of Life will take place in early 2026 at Faith United Methodist Church in Freeport, IL, with a reception to follow.

Marilyn, Jeff, and Marissa would like to like to thank the many friends who have offered support the past few years, specifically, family members Claudia and Kevin Wenzel, Bonnie Lange, mom’s best friend Melinda Ferguson, Roger’s close friend Al Hamon, the Pearl City crowd, neighbors Jill and Pat McKenna, their Sunday school class at Faith United Methodist Church and the church as a whole, and Providence Church in Mt. Juliet, TN, for conducting the video service.

Cards and letters of support can be sent to: Marilyn Loper 1391 Forest Edge Rd. Woodland Park, CO 80863

Two memorials have been set up in Roger’s memory to bring hope to those with diabetes and Parkinson’s.

American Diabetes Association P.O. Box 7023 Merrifield, VA 22116 Write “Roger Loper Memorial Fund” in the memo line of your check. Or Give Online

American Parkinson’s Disease Association P.O. Box 61420 Staten Island, NY 10306. Write “Roger Loper Memorial Fund in the memo line of your check. Or Give Online.