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Dennis Roggenbuck Obituary
1942 ~ 2014
Dennis Henry Roggenbuck, age 71 passed away Thursday morning, January 9, 2014 at his home after a courageous battle with cancer.
Dennis was born on December 6, 1942 in St. Peter, Minnesota to Celestine and Henry Roggenbuck. As a child, his family moved around considerably. He lived in Minnesota, Nebraska, South Dakota and South Carolina. After high school graduation he attended Northern State University in Aberdeen, South Dakota and then on to the University of South Carolina in Columbia where he received his Master in Mathematics. In 1967 Dennis moved to Boise, Idaho to teach Math at Borah High School. While at Borah, Dennis was a member of the BEA executive committee and was the head of the Math Department.
In 1977 he married Margaret Lempka of Big Stone City, South Dakota. In 1978 their first daughter Caroline was born, followed by Mary, Lisa and Amy Jo.
After 36 years of teaching, Dennis retired in 2003. The following fall he helped start up the Treasure Valley Math and Science Center here in Boise. Dennis enjoyed woodworking, playing cards and pool, watching football and crossword puzzles which he completed on a daily basis, spending time with his 4 daughters and 3 grand daughters. He was admired by his fellow teachers and by his students. Dennis was known for his kindness and humor. Famous stories that followed him included his 1st day of teaching at Borah High and the tale of the PA speaker he removed from his classroom wall. He became a grandfather to Fiona, Lydia and Elise, who brought him great joy.
Survivors include his wife of 36 years, Margaret and daughters Caroline, Mary (Ben) Novick, Lisa, and Amy Jo (Ben) Schoelkoph all of Boise. Granddaughters Fiona, Lydia and Elise Novick of Boise and brothers John (Carol) of Spearfish, South Dakota, Steve (Susan) of Blane, Minn., Neil (Mary Jane) of Minneapolis, Minn., Quentin (Renee) of Lauderdale, Minn., Kevin (Bobbi) of Inver Grove Hts, Minn., sister-in-law and brother-in-law Linda and Brian DeGrote of Montevideo, Minn. And numerous nieces and nephews.
Dennis was preceded in death by his parents.
A visitation and vigil will be held on Tuesday, January 14 at 7 pm at the Cloverdale Funeral Home. The mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 am Wednesday, January 15 at Holy Apostles Catholic church of Meridian and followed by a graveside service at Cloverdale Memorial Park.
The family would like to express their deep appreciation to Dr. Krishna Alluri and his nurse Sharon, Dr. Tonya Kuhn, the whole staff of St. Luke's MSTI and St. Alphonsus Hospice.
To share memories with the family please visit Dennis's memorial webpage at www.cloverdalefuneralhome.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Dennis Roggenbuck
Alyssa Bair
January 23, 2014
I, too, had Mr. Roggenbuck as my junior year math teacher at Borah (Class '98). I will always remember him as I have frequently over the past 16 years - a teacher who loved teaching and made lessons real and entertaining for his students. Imagining his laugh and quirky idiosyncrasies as he stood at the front of the class still make me smile. We need more teachers like him. My condolences to his family and friends. He will surely be greatly missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him.
Mandie Smith
January 22, 2014
Loved Mr. Roggenbuck. Best math teacher I had.(Borah 2001) Brought all the fun and love for math back to me. He is missed greatly!
Jessica
January 19, 2014
Mr. Roggenbuck was my second year algebra teacher, I could tell he was an intelligent man in his profession. I later found out he was friends with my grandfather. class of 94 RIP
Ed (Dee) Jameson
January 15, 2014
Dennis was a remarkable teacher. My Father, Bill thought very highly of both his skills and his friendship.
George Loader
January 14, 2014
A Candle to guide the way. GOD SPEED!!!!!!!!!!!
George Loader
January 14, 2014
A man that made math fun for all and gave great fun in the classroom.
Sarah Love
January 14, 2014
I was on of Mr. Roggenbuck's many math students at Borah. He was the teacher who turned math around for me from being a chore to being fun. What a wonderful man. Best wishes to his family. Thank you for sharing your husband, father, and grandfather with us.
January 13, 2014
Remarkable teacher and person....made a difference in my life as well as countless students at Borah High School! My condolences to his family.
Debbie Donovan. Class of '78
Jeannie Lowber Hally
January 13, 2014
Mr. Roggenbuck was my Algebra teacher (Class of 1980). He was so kind and gentle. He made me feel valued when I felt overwhelmed at times by the subject manner. A true gentleman. I had the pleasure of teaching religious education to his daughter Caroline later and got to see his pleasure as a father. My deepest sympathies to your family. Mr. Roggenbuck was quite the man!
Sally Anderson
January 13, 2014
Hands down one of the best teachers I ever had! (Class of 89) I still fondly remember him dressing up like Michael Jackson in one of the teacher skits. He was always full of energy and had a way of making math fun, impossible as that may seem. Years later I had the privilege of being his neighbor and he always brought us a plate of Christmas goodies. RIP, Roggie. You will be missed!
January 13, 2014
Dennis was a great friend. We have many memories of our time spent together. Telling stories, talking politics and playing pool. He will be missed by all our friends. To Marg and his family we are so sorry for your loss. Bob & Bonnie Weber
Vicki Wilson Hall
January 12, 2014
Mr. Roggenbuck (affectionately known as “Rogie” or “D.R.”) brought passion, energy, and comedy to the classroom – always kept us riveted with his drama and exuberance about a subject that might otherwise have been torturous and baffling. He had amazing patience, and a shockingly accurate aim with a piece of chalk. Rogie is fondly remembered by two generations of my family. Whenever we say “Eureka!” or “we're on Victory Trail” we give a silent nod to Rogie. I am so saddened by the loss of this wonderful, unforgettable man, and send sincere condolences to his loved ones. (Class of 1977)
Stephen Jaeger
January 12, 2014
My favorite math teacher of all time. He started me off right for a career as an engineer. He will be missed. (Class of 1982)
Curtis Yanskey
January 12, 2014
When reminiscing about our favorite teachers, Dennis "Roggie" Roggenbuck's name always came up. I was Borah class of '79 and my sister graduated in '77. He was one of those rare teachers who made class fun and memorable. I will never forget learning how to count cards, determine odds gambling, and other fun extras.
My condolences go out to his family, friends, and the hundreds of students lucky enough to have known Mr. Roggenbuck.
SheriDawn Carruthers
January 12, 2014
Mr. Rogue buck was my Algebra teacher at Borah High. He had his sense of humor and that was cool. My prayers and thoughts go out to the Roggenbuck family. (Class of 1990)
Tanya Pierce
January 11, 2014
Mr Roggenbuck was so passionate about his work at Borah. Match was always fun and interesting. So sorry for his passing, wishing happy memories warm your heart.
Randy Schroeder
January 11, 2014
Mr Roggenbuck was a great math teacher, he had a style all his own. If you did not do well it was not because of his teaching style. He always kept us entertained, I will never forget him. RIP, and may god be with you.
Leslee Haylett
January 11, 2014
One of my favorite Teachers at Borah! Class of 1977
January 11, 2014
Dennis was a beloved teacher at Borah and one of the favorite Algebra teachers. He had a unique style. He will be missed. Steve Rodda (class of 1969.)
Becky Williams
January 11, 2014
What a remarkable teacher and special human being! With such a gentle soul, he will be missed.
Rick Martin
January 11, 2014
Dennis "Roggie" Roggenbuck was probably one of the most memorable teachers I had in high school. He was one of the few teachers I had that I felt was truly a friend and not just my teacher. I felt fortunate to have known and be mentored by Dennis.
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