Roger A. Ogren

Roger Allen Ogren was born on April 9, 1943 in LeMars, Iowa, to Paul and Catherine (Pitts) Ogren. He passed away on May 2, 2018, in Exeter surrounded by his family at the age of 75 years and 23 days. He was one of five boys born in the family. Roger A. Ogren, a retired cattleman and cattle feeder resided with his wife, Sara outside Exeter, Nebraska on their family farm where Sara grew up as a child. Roger saw people, especially cattlemen, as opportunities and set out to make them his friends. He relied on the goodness that he believed God has invested in all mankind to emerge, both in business and friendship. From growing up farming with his brothers near Marcus in Iowa, Roger shipped off to Vietnam during his college education years and served honorably. He made brutally difficult choices there, as have generations of his brothers-in-arms. He came home deeply grateful for his life and for the opportunities before him. Roger married Sara Klemm, the love of his life in Exeter, and went on to raise and nurture an adventurous, talented and tight knit family of four children to adulthood and eight grandchildren. By all measures, Roger was richly rewarded by his faith in God, and in people. He lived his life of commitment to treating one another with respect and kindness this he will be remembered for. Roger was a member of the St. Stephens Catholic Church and the American Legion. He understood that there was great suffering in the world even while he endured the painful effects from his war service, Roger accessed treatment and drove for significant improvement in VA provided care. He sought wisdom more than worldly goods, more kinship than kudos, and more hope than hype. For Roger, at last, the guns are silent and the battle concluded. Rest well soldier. We love you. Roger was preceded in death by his parents Paul and Catherine. He is survived by his wife, Sara of Exeter; sons, Justin, Ryan (Bambi) and children Ashtyn, Elijah, Gabriel and Noah of Omaha, Aaron (Eva Turbiville) and children Maizy and Mason, and daughter Shannon (Cliffton) Schultz and children Jalen and Logan of Seward; brothers, Rod, Ken (Kate), Steve (Renea) and Chuck (Kay) all of Marcus, Iowa; nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. A Mass of Christian Burial was held for Roger on Tuesday, May 8, 2018 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Stephen’s Catholic Church in Exeter, Nebraska. Father Steve Thomlison officiated the service. Agnes Anderson accompanied the congregation in the singing of “Be Not Afraid,” “One Bread, One Body,” “Ave Maria,” and “Amazing Grace.” Greg Rehm was the Cantor and also sang “The Rose” during Communion. A Rosary was prayed on Monday, May 7, 2018 at 7:00 p.m. at St. Stephen’s Catholic Church. The Rosary was led by Father Steve Thomlison. Pallbearers for the Funeral Service included Wally Kruce, Garrett Ogren, Eric Ogren, Ronny Morgan, Roger Morgan, and Ron Ogren. Honorary Pallbearers were Roger’s God Children Melissa Kruce, Robyn (Manning) Wood, and Natalie Reighard. Interment was held in the Exeter Cemetery with Military Rites performed by the Exeter American Legion William Sullivan Post 218. Farmer Funeral Home of Exeter conducted the services and online condolences can be left at www.farmerandsonfuneralhome.com. Memorials are suggested to the family for future designation.

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Roger A. Ogren

April 9, 1943 - May 2, 2018