Roger F. Massey
October 6, 2016Share using:
Roger F Massey, age 82.999 of Dubuque, IA was called to Heaven on Wednesday, October 6, 2016, due to his Trifecta of diseases, Parkinson’s, Lewy Body Dementia and Myasthenia Gravis, not being his winning ticket.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, October 11, 2016 at Holy Spirit Parish, Holy Ghost Church, 2921 Central Ave, Dubuque. Visitation will be held at the church from 9-11 that morning. Burial with military honors by American Legion Post #6 will be at Holy Family Cemetery, New Melleray by the Monastery.
Roger was born on October 23, 1933 in a farm house in Browns Bottom, rural Dubuque, the son of Louis
and Geraldine (Deacon) Massey. He married Irma Freiburger on November 21, 1959 at Holy Ghost Church. Roger was in the Air Force as a radio operator on C-119 flying box cars during the Korean War from 1952-56. He retired from being an Air Traffic Controller, graduated from Kirkwood College and was a Realtor for many years in Dubuque. Roger was a member of the school board, Legion Post 6 and Eastern Iowa Housing Association. He was a baseball umpire, little league coach, avid hunter (including night crawlers), fisherman and enjoyed watching any competitive sport on TV.
Roger knew everyone, could talk to anyone and those traits live on in his children. He was a FAMILY man who adored his 5 children, with his grandchildren being a big bonus. He was extremely proud of his offspring and not shy about bragging about them.
He is survived by his wife of 56.899 yrs Irma, his 5 children, Christine, Des Moines IA, Carrie (Dave) Watters Dubuque IA, Rodger (Brigitte) Murfreesboro TN, Mark (Megan) Spokane WA, Lance (Julie) Mauston WI. His 11 grandchildren Heath, Brock, Shae, Wyatt, Summer, Tristan, Lauren, Scott Massey, Drew and Dillon Watters, Abby (Scott) Kutsch. Old grandpa to Jake and Ryan Kutsch. His siblings, Bob (Shirley), Lee T-Tom (Vivian), Dave (Kristi) Massey and Sandy Rudiger. In laws, Frances Hendricks, Bob Gerhard, Viola (Paul) Farrey, Lillian (Wilmer) Averkamp, Carol (Danny) McDermott, Mary, Mame, Eileen, Larry (Ellen) Freiburger.
Roger was preceded in death by his parents and brother Donald. In laws, Vincent Hendricks, Stella, Lawerence Majerus, Florence Gerhard, Wayne Rudiger, Bernice Bogle, Elmer, Louise, Frank, Henry, Edward Freiburger and the best neighbor ever Ronnie Habel.
Memorials can be given to Holy Family Catholic Schools and Hospice of Dubuque.
Roger, for better or worse, see you each full moon. Dad, your green eyes live on, will watch the Virginian for you, hope your Cubs win the World Series and Vikings the Super bowl. Grandpa, will remember your stories, your love of ice cream and to never leave our food unguarded. We will love you to the moon and back. Rest in peace faithful servant.
Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road is in charge of arrangements.
