Donald Gene ROGGE

November 20, 1945 - October 6, 2025

Spokane - Don passed away peacefully in Spokane, Washington, at Cornerstone Memory Care from Dementia/Parkinson's.

Born November 20, 1945, to Clifford and Ines Rogge in Jordon, Montana. Don graduated from Colville High School in 1964. 1964 was a big year for Don. Later in the year, he married Karen Cranston, and in 2025, they celebrated 61 years of marriage. Don and Karen moved to Spokane in 1965, and Don attended Kinman Business University, where he obtained a Business Administration Degree. Don worked in the Information Technology Department for Cominco American for almost 30 years. Upon retirement, he owned and operated a sign business and later drove school bus for the Mead Schools. He loved driving his granddaughters to sporting events!

Don was an active outdoorsman. He hunted, fished, camped, skied, golfed, and backpacked. He enjoyed traveling. His trip of a lifetime was to Africa. He also bowled on several teams. Don ran Bloomsday for more than 30 years. He could fix anything and enjoyed many projects. He did a lot of the building on their last home. Don and Karen belonged to a friend's RV group, where they took many fun tours of other states.

Don was known in his family as the fun uncle/grandpa who loved little kids and never met a stranger. He loved a good party and often said, "if you want a party, have one."

Don is survived by his wife of 61 years, Karen (Cranston); son, Cliff (Cheryl); daughter, Kimberly; grandchildren, Berkeley, Jordan Sandberg (Preston), and Zachary Rogge; and great-grandchildren, Blakely and Baylor Sandberg. He is also survived by brother, Delbert (Barbara); sister, Diana Wold (Chuck); sister, Debbie Erving (Tom); along with many nieces, nephews, cousins; and one aunt, Shirley Thomas. He was preceded in death by parents, Cliff and Ines Rogge; sister, Delores Hall; and brother, Dennis Rogge.

A celebration of life will be held at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, 8441 North Indian Trail, on Monday, October 20, at 1 p.m.