Roger Kenneth Myers

 

Roger Kenneth Myers, 92, Rockford, passed away on Monday, September 16, 2024, in his home surrounded by his loving family. He was born January 11, 1932, in Rockford to Howard and Helene (Pollage) Myers, who died in 1934, after the birth of Roger’s brother, Jerry. Roger was raised in a loving home by his dad and Jeannette (Reichenbach) on farms in Ogle/Winnebago counties. Roger was proud to proclaim he was “the smartest student” in his class while also admitting he was the only student in his class in his one-room schoolhouse. He liked to reminisce about his role in helping the teacher start the woodfire in those old schoolhouses.

Roger graduated from Byron High School in 1949, and joined the Army National Guard Unit in Rockford that same year. He was called to active duty in 1952, where he very proudly served during the Korean War and was awarded the Bronze Star Medal.

Roger married the love of his life, Helen Hawkinson, in 1954, and they were devoted to one another for seventy years! He is survived by his children, Barbara Myers and Tom (Katherine) Myers; his grandchildren, Melanie (Dan) Diaz, Leah (Joe) DeLigio, Elise Hoffman, Madeline (Sam) Nelson and Sam Myers and 5 great-grandsons with another great-grandchild on the way; numerous nieces, nephews and 3 special cousins, Deloris, Marilyn and Patsy. Predeceased by his parents and his brother, Jerry.

Roger and Helen created many wonderful memories for their children and grandchildren as devoted parents and grandparents. Together they enjoyed traveling throughout the United States as well as multiple trips to Europe including the Scandinavian countries.

Roger worked as a sheet metal worker in the building trades for 27 years and retired in 1996 from JL Clark Manufacturing. Roger was a good and faithful servant with a strong faith, a 68 year member of Our Savior’s Lutheran Church volunteering on several committees and serving as an usher. His volunteering included 23 years at Swedish American Hospital; driving Vets to the VA Hospital in Madison, Belvidere VFW Chaplin, Korean Vet Association member, and special event support at Salvation Army.

Roger enjoyed fishing trips to Cananda, tinkering in the garage and garden, bowling, daily walks, cheering on the Bears, genealogy, rerun episodes of Gunsmoke, coffee all day long, and afternoon naps. Roger was a man of intention, kindness, and steady love. He leaves behind a beautiful legacy of a life well lived. The family is grateful for the excellent care from Pastor Roland, nurses, Tonya and Michelle of Northern Illinois Hospice and the opportunity for Roger to spend his last days at home.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Friday, September 27, 2024, at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, 3300 Rural St. Rockford, with Reverend Rob James officiating. Burial in Willwood Burial Park. Visitation will be held from 10:00 A.M. until the time of service at the church on Friday. Memorials may be made to Northern Illinois Hospice or Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Roger’s name. Arrangements by Fitzgerald Funeral Home and Crematory, Mulford Chapel, 1860 S. Mulford Rd. Rockford. Share online condolences at www.fitzgeraldfh.com.