In Memory of Helen C. Rogge

Helen Rogge of Battle Creek, Iowa, died Thursday, July 25, 2013, at Horn Memorial Hospital in Ida Grove, Iowa, at the age of 102 years, 4 months, and 16 days.
            Per her wishes, Mrs. Rogge was cremated.  Memorial services will be held at a later date at the First Presbyterian Church in Battle Creek, Iowa.  Christensen-Huffman Funeral Home in Battle Creek is in charge of professional arrangements.  
            Born March 9, 1911, in Elvira, Iowa, in Clinton County, Helena Catherine Rogge was the daughter of John D. and Lena M. (Kruse) Dierks.  She grew up in eastern Iowa and graduated from Clinton High School.
            On January 14, 1933, Helen was united in marriage to Charles William Rogge II in Clinton, Iowa.  The couple lived in Ida Grove and were blessed with six children:  Dona, Mary Jo, Margie Kay, Connie, Roxie, and Chuck.  
            Over the years Helen worked for the Golden Rule and the House of Flowers.  In 1954, she and Charles moved west of Battle Creek and began farming and feeding cattle.  They retired to Ida Grove in 1981.  In 2005, Helen made her home with her daughter Connie in Battle Creek.
            Helen possessed a strong faith and was an active member of the First Presbyterian Church in Battle Creek.  She was an avid Cubs and Hawkeye fan, loved golfing, playing cards, especially bridge, and never missed a ballgame or activity in which her children or grandchildren were involved.  Even her grandchildren’s friends came to know her as “Grandma Rogge.”
            Survivors include three children, Connie McCrary of Battle Creek, Roxanne (Ron) Meier of Odebolt, and Chuck (Nancy) Rogge III of Battle Creek; eight grandchildren, Catherine Cullen of Clovis, CA, Preston (Kelly) McCrary of Round Rock, TX, Mistaya (Mitch) Hoefling of Odebolt, Abby (Matt) Billings of Sioux City, Stacy Rogge, Steffany (Jason) Kindseth, and Beau (Shonda) Rogge IV, all of Missoula, MT, and MacKinzie Rogge of Chicago, IL; 17 great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, and friends.
            She was preceded in death by her parents; husband Charles in 1992; daughters Dona Cullen and infant twins Mary Jo and Margie Kay; two sons-in-law, Kenneth Cullen and Lanny McCrary; a grandson, K.C. Cullen; five brothers; and one sister.