Ralph Robert Roggow's Obituary
Ralph Robert Roggow, age 80 of Howard, KS, passed away September 17, 2022 at his home.
Ralph was born December 7, 1941 at Lucas, South Dakota at the home of his parents, Robert ‘Bob’ and Ferne (Rogers) Roggow. He was the middle of 3 children born to the family. He graduated from Burke High School in 1959. After graduating, during the summer he worked for a Belle Fouche rancher bucking hay bales. He enlisted in the US Navy in 1959 and worked in electronics. He accepted a commissioning program that enabled him to attend college at the University of Oklahoma. Graduating in 1969 from OU with a BS in Mathematics then proceeded to flight training and flew S-2 submarine hunter aircraft.
He married JoAnn Freeman Handte on May 1st 1970. From a previous marriage he had a son, Robert. JoAnn also had a son from a previous marriage, Louis. From this marriage they had two daughters, Jennifer and Lori. Ralph and JoAnn lived in various locations during his service and upon his retirement from the US Navy at the rank of Lieutenant Commander and then settled on a dairy farm in Burke, SD. After farming for 8 years, he then began an Ag Spraying Service.
He relocated to Howard, KS after retiring from farming and Ag spraying when his wife accepted a job with the local medical clinic. He was a very active member of the American Legion Carter-Rader Post 0149 in Howard and his last office was that of Post Chaplin. He was extremely proud of his youngest grandson, Jared, graduating from US Navy boot camp and continuing the tradition of military service.
Ralph was preceded in death by his parents, Bob and Ferne; wife, JoAnn and son, Robert.
Ralph is survived by his daughters, Jennifer Roggow and husband Brad of Sedan, KS and Lori Wittmeier and husband Chad of Salem, SD; and his step-son, Louis Handte of Oklahoma, 10 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren. Also surviving are his sister, Violet Scheele and husband Harry of Eugene, OR; his brother Raymond Roggow and wife Linda of Elk Point, SD.
One of Ralph’s fondest memories of traveling was when he attended an Honor Flight to Washington DC. This trip was hosted by the Parsons High School Honor Flight; coordinator Mike Kastle and Asst-coordinator Eric Swanson. The family wishes that all potential memorial contributions be sent to this wonderful program. Our dad had memorable experience and we hope that other Veterans can enjoy the same.
Ralph’s family will receive friends at visitation from 5:00 to 7:00 PM on Friday, September 23, 2022 at Countryside Funeral Home in Howard, KS.
Funeral services will be held at 10:30 AM on Saturday, September 24, 2022 at Countryside Funeral Home in Howard, KS
Memorial contributions can be made to the Parsons High School Honor Flight and can be mailed to or left with the funeral home.
Services entrusted to Countryside Funeral Home, 206 E. Washington, PO Box 1233, Howard, KS 67349
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