Roger Traphagan

1941 - 2025

Roger Traphagan

November 27, 1941 - March 6, 2025

Roger Traphagan, 83, passed away on March 6, 2025, at Brookstone Gardens in Kearney, Neb. Memorial services will be held at 11 a.m., Friday, March 28th, at O'Brien Straatman Redinger Funeral Home. There will be no visitation.

Memorials are suggested to The Parkinson's Foundation or to the Kearney Area Animal Shelter. Condolences may be shared online at www.osrfh.com. Service are entrusted to O'Brien Straatmann Redinger Funeral and Cremation Services.

Roger Kay Traphagan was born in Omaha, Neb., on November 27th, to Henry and Lois (Nicholas) Traphagan. Roger took delight in the fact that he was born on Thanksgiving, although Christmas would always be his favorite holiday. Roger was a true "war baby" and was brought home from the hospital on December 7, 1941. In 1942, the family moved to Aurora, Colo., where Henry was inducted into the service. During this time Roger and his mother lived with his grandparents, Dora and Jim Denney. Roger formed a special bond with his grandfather who taught him to fish and gave him his first Schwinn bicycle, probably awakening his interest in all things with wheels. However, Roger was most excited about his grandfather's Irish Setter dog, Bitti and her puppies. He would tell the tale of Bitti birthing her puppies to anyone who would listen. This sparked Roger's genuine love of animals, especially dogs. Roger was the oldest of three sons and in 1950 the family moved to Ft. Collins, Colo. where his brother, Ricky, was born. The family lived in several cities along the front range and Roger's youngest brother, Terry, was born in Loveland, Colo.

In Roger's senior year of high school, the family returned to Ft. Collins, Colo. and Roger graduated from Ft. Collins High School in 1960. In high school, Roger enjoyed wood shop but his real interest was his girlfriend, Dianna, and cruising College Ave in his car. Roger met Dianna Tresler, the love of his life, at a young age in Sunday School. They were sweethearts in high school and married on June 18, 1961. They would make their home in Ft. Collins where they would be blessed with a daughter, Jodi and a son, Jeff. An array of pets would complete their family. Roger enjoyed taking his family camping in the mountains but his real love was cruising in his cars. Most weekends would include some type of a road trip, often in the foothills or to visit family but many times the destination was wherever the open road would lead.

While in Ft. Collins, Roger was employed at International Harvester (IH) where he worked his way up to become the Parts Manager. In 1968, Roger would leave IH to pursue his dream and become an Owner/Operator of an Exxon gas station. Roger truly enjoyed owning/working his Exxon station and would later say this was his favorite position. In 1976 Roger relocated his family to Kearney, Neb., where he purchased and became Owner/Operator of a Snap on Tools business. Roger was well known by most every shop owner and their employees in the Kearney area. When Roger sold his Snap on Tool business he took a year off and then purchased a Big A Auto Parts store, which he owned and operated until 1988. Roger knew the parts business best and he worked for K&K Auto Parts and later was employed at the Kearney NAPA Parts Store for 23 years until he retired on December 31, 2019.

When Roger moved to Nebraska, he became a fan of "Big Red" football but always remained a true Denver Bronco fan. Roger liked the thrill of the live football games but most fall weekends were spent watching the Denver Broncos on TV because after all that is the best seat in the house.

Roger was a car enthusiast! In 1963, he purchased a 1962 409 Chevy Impala. It was his favorite car. The one he wished never would have gotten away. In 1994, he was able to revise that dream when he found an identical car in Texas. Roger cherished the time he spent with his son, Jeff, restoring the 1962 Chevy Impala to mint condition. This car is a testament to his passion for adventure, meticulously maintained and filled with memories. One of his friends said, "It is more than a car, it was his pride and joy, a symbol of his spirit and the life he loved."

Roger was a devoted father and friend. He was kind-hearted and a genuinely good person. Roger was friendly, supportive, sincere and witty. He was known by his NAPA friends as the, "heavy duty guy". Roger enjoyed spending his time with family, friends, children and puppies. He liked a hot cup of coffee and a good conversation. Roger's favorite holiday was Christmas and he had the Santa Clause collection to prove it. When Roger wasn't watching football or talking "shop talk" he liked to spend time with his dog, Zoltan, and especially, enjoyed visiting with his grandchildren, Mattie and Tanner.

Roger lived the last several years of his life at Brookstone Gardens where he met new friends. Despite having a debilitating disease Roger faced his life with dignity and grace. He participated in most all activities and provided support to all those around him. Roger didn't know a stranger. He found value in every person and was loved by everyone who met him. Roger's life is an example of compassion and strength. He will be greatly missed.

Left to cherish Roger's memories are his daughter, Jodi Sowl of Kearney, Neb.; son, Jeff Traphagan and special friend, Bobbi Tavner of Kearney; granddaughter, Mattie Traphagan of Kearney; grandson, Tanner Traphagan of Lincoln; brothers, Rick Traphagan of Loveland, Colo. and Terry (Diane) Traphagan of McCook, Neb.; and his German Shepherd, Zoltan.

Roger was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Dianna Traphagan; his granddaughter, Jenny Lynn Sowl; and his sister-in-law, Susan Traphagan.

O'Brien Straatmann Redinger Funeral and Cremation Services

4115 Ave N Kearney, NE 68847

308-234-3500