Roger Black

Roger D. Black, 70, of Atlantic, Iowa, passed away Monday, April 30, 2018, at his home.

Roger Dwayne Black was born on March 20, 1948, in Ottumwa, Iowa, the son of Ralph Wendell and Florence (Cohagan) Black. He grew up on the family farm in a large agricultural community. As a child he worked countless hours tending to daily chores and spent summers putting up hay. Roger attended elementary and junior high schools in Agency, Iowa, and later graduated from Cardinal High School in Eldon, Iowa in 1966. Following graduation, he enrolled in business school at Indian Hills Community College in Ottumwa. After receiving training, he worked for a short time at the Graham’s Department Store headquarters in Ottumwa and was later transferred to Indianola to serve as assistant manager. This is where he met, Sandra Jean Ripperger and the couple was married on August 30, 1969. Transfers and promotions took them to other areas, and the couple made Atlantic home in 1977. He worked at Grahams in Atlantic until its closing. Roger’s ease of conversation with others later led him to the insurance business, and he was still selling crop insurance until his passing. He enjoyed visiting his clients at their farms; he was a farmer at heart no matter where life led him.

A jack of all trades he could make and fix anything and spent a lot of free time doing carpentry. He had a lifelong love of horses, stemming from his childhood and recently recalled the day his father decided the kids had traded in their interest in horses for their cars; so, he sold off 22 of their horses in one day! They still kept several and he never tired of their beauty! Later he enjoyed the Kentucky Derby, always betting on a gray. After Sandy’s retirement they spent time traveling, volunteering at church, and spending time with family. The couple joked that their way of communicating was more of a banter back and forth. Roger was a huge help around the house as long as a rhubarb pie was at the end of a day’s work! He also said that he could eat Sandy’s Scotcharoos as easily as taking in air! He never met a stranger and would always put others first; never wanting to be the center of attention.

Roger’s family was his everything. Nathan and Stacie looked forward to spending time at his parents' farm as kids. Before Nathan's passing in 2000, Nathan and Roger had enjoyed collecting toy tractors and Roger often admired their display, always keeping their many memories close. The granddaughters will remember helping build the deck, working alongside him in the garden, and playing games. Dominos was always a favorite even though from time to time he didn’t agree with the rules.

Roger was a member of SS Peter and Paul Catholic Church where he volunteered in many ways. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus and was honored to have been a 4th Degree Knight, also known as the Patriotic Degree.

The day Roger passed away he spent time doing a few things he loved; taking a drive in his red convertible Camaro and planting his large garden.

Roger will be deeply missed by his wife of 48 years, Sandra; daughter, Stacie (Scott) Wallingford; granddaughters, Amber, Addysen and Rylee Wallingford; sister, Evelyn (William) Kruse; brothers, Ronald (Connie) Black and Doug (Barb) Black; brothers-in-law, Gary (Lynn) Ripperger and Randy (Deb) Ripperger; sisters-in-law, Michele Septer and Jaci (Jody) Taylor; and many nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

He is preceded in death by his parents; Ralph and Florence Black; father and mother-in-law, Richard and Sara Ripperger; son, Nathan Dwayne Black; granddaughter, Tara Wallingford; brother and sister-in-law, Richard (Betty) Black; and brother-in-law, Steve Septer.

A Rosary will be held at 5:00 p.m., Thursday, May 3rd, followed by visitation with the family present from 5:30 p.m.- 8:00 p.m. at Roland Funeral Home.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m., Friday, May 4th, at SS Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Atlantic. Burial will be in the SS Peter and Paul Catholic Cemetery.

Memorials may be made for SS Peter and Paul Catholic Church for future renovations of the Parish Center or the Iowa Heart Foundation, 5880 University Ave, Ste, 101, West Des Moines, IA 50266.

Roland Funeral Service is caring for Roger’s family and his arrangements. Condolences may be left at www.rolandfuneralservice.com

IN REMEMBRANCE OF
Roger D. Black
BORN
March 20, 1948

ENTERED INTO REST
April 30, 2018 - Atlantic, Iowa
At the age of 70 years, 1 month, 10 days

MASS OF CHRISTIAN BURIAL
10:30 a.m., Friday, May 4, 2018
SS Peter & Paul Catholic Church - Atlantic, Iowa

CELEBRANT
Father Chinna Devaraj

LECTORS
Randy and Gary Ripperger

ALTAR SERVER
Payton Fewson

GIFT BEARERS
Andy, Haley, Payton, Nevaeh & Asher Fewson

ORGANIST
Donna Muell

CANTOR
Diedre Casey

MUSICAL SELECTIONS
Processional - “Be Not Afraid”

Offertory - “”How Great Thou Art”

Communion - “One Bread, One Body”

Special Music - “Amazing Grace”
by Mike Grimes

Recessional - “On Eagles’ Wings”

PALLBEARERS
Scott Wallingford
Jody Taylor
Gary Ripperger
Randy Ripperger
Dennis Van Pelt
Steve Byriel
Chuck McLaren
Rich Wilmes
Gerry Luke

HONORARY PALLBEARERS
The Late Nathan Black, Richard Black and Steve Septer
Ron Black
Doug Black
William Kruse
All of Rogers Nieces and Nephews

IN CHARGE OF FLOWERS
Sherry Byriel
Mary McLaren
Joyce Van Pelt
Lucille Luke

INTERMENT
SS Peter & Paul Catholic Cemetery - Atlantic, Iowa




Roger’s family invites and encourages everyone to join them
for lunch at the Parish Center following services at the cemetery.

Memorials may be made for SS Peter & Paul Catholic Church for future
renovations of the Parish Center or The Iowa Heart Foundation,