Roger Roudabush

1936 - 2024

Roger Roudabush, age 88, a well-known and respected Brooklyn area farmer and businessman, passed away Wednesday, October 30, 2024, at the Mayflower Health Center in Grinnell. Visitation: 9:00 - 11:00 a.m., Monday, November 4, 2024, at Grace United Methodist Church, Brooklyn. A funeral service will follow at 11:00 a.m., Monday, November 4, 2024, at Grace United Methodist Church, Brooklyn, with Rev. Guylain Yumba and Rev. John Dodds officiating. Burial will be in the Brooklyn Memorial Cemetery, Brooklyn. Memorials may be directed to Grace United Methodist Church, Brooklyn. Kloster Funeral Home, Brooklyn, is caring for Roger and his family. Roger Clark Roudabush was born February 4, 1936, to John E. and Ruth Dayton Roudabush at the home of his grandparents in Brooklyn, Iowa. His birth came during a record blizzard, with family and friends sharing the story of neighbors helping the couple get into town through the blinding snowstorm. He grew up and was raised on the family farm and it was here that his roots took hold and that his love for farming began. He farmed and partnered with his dad, John, for many years before John's death in 1986. His family farming connection continued with his son, Calvin, as they farmed together for more than 40 years. Corn, soybeans, oats, hay, hogs, dairy, and beef cattle were raised and always to be found on his farms. He took great pride when his grandchildren worked and helped him. As a youth he was active in 4-H, as well as FFA, football, track and basketball. He graduated in 1953 from Brooklyn High School. In 1955, he married Nancy Johnson at Grace United Methodist Church in Brooklyn. To this union, two children were born, Connie and Calvin. Roger was always active in the Brooklyn community, as well as Poweshiek County. His civic involvement over the years included director on the Brooklyn Telephone Company Board, 15 years on the BGM School Board (serving 6 years as President), founding board of trustees member for BGM "Dollars for Scholars", Poweshiek County Supervisor for 10 years (serving 4 years as Chairman), and a member of the Brooklyn Economic Development Committee. Roger was a member of Grace United Methodist Church for over 75 years and Farm Bureau for more then 65 years. A special honor for him and his family was being named the recipient of the Jim Urfer Spirit of Farming Award in 2019. He loved his family and spending time with them. One of his most cherished memories was taking the family to Hawaii on vacation. He enjoyed watching his children and grandchildren participate in music and sports activities. He had a special bond with each grandchild creating memories together they will always treasure. Roger loved to watch the Iowa Hawkeyes and BGM Bears and is famously remembered for his buzzer-beating, game-winning basket to give the Brooklyn Bears the 1953 Poweshiek County Championship win over Montezuma. Roger is survived by his wife of 68 years, Nancy, his children Connie Byers (Carl) of Cedar Rapids, Calvin Roudabush (Peggy) of Brooklyn, four grandchildren, Jennifer Byers of Cedar Rapids, Matthew Byers (Sarah) of Cedar Rapids, Joshua Roudabush (Alexa Hogberg) of Packwood, and John Roudabush (Alison Richards) of Brooklyn; one great-grandson, Charlie Byers of Cedar Rapids, and another great-grandchild on the way. He is also survived by his brothers, Loren Roudabush (Carol) of Brooklyn, Lyle Roudabush (Carolyn) of Grinnell, and nine nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, and his brother Dean Roudabush. Online condolences: www:klosterfuneralhome.com