Obituary of Roger Dean Hershey

Roger D. Hershey, 76, passed away on October 12, 2012 at Skiff Memorial Hospital from complications of Pancreatic Cancer. Services will be held Monday, October 15, 2012 at 2:00 at Congregational United Church of Christ in Newton. A Celebration of Roger's life will be held following the service. Visitation with the family will be Sunday, October 14, 2012 from 5-7 at Pence-Reese Funeral Home. Roger was born on March 11, 1936 in Indianola, Iowa. He graduated from Indianola High School and the University of Iowa with a Bachelors degree in Engineering. At Iowa, Roger was active on the football team and was a member of the Sigma Nu fraternity. Roger continued his education after college and graduated in the first MBA class at the University of Iowa. He served the National Guard after college and was stationed in Rolla, MO and Fort Dix, NJ. He also held his CPA from the University of Illinois. In his retirement, he received his Master Gardener certification. Roger married Jeanne McCardell on December 17, 1960. Together they had 4 children, 8 grandchildren and many Labrador Retrievers. He enjoyed Bonsai, gardening, golf, croquet, and woodworking. He also enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren and was forever teaching them his skills. Roger retired from a successful career as owner of Barwell Securities in Des Moines, IA. Prior to becoming an investment broker, he was an auditor for Price Waterhouse in Chicago and Vice President of Winpower Manufacturing Company. Throughout his life he enjoyed his volunteer work as a coach for his children, partial owner and founder of semi-pro football team Newton Nite Hawks, Boy Scout leader, Moderator of the United Church of Christ and President of the Newton Country Club. All who loved him will miss his sense of humor and strong determination. Roger is survived by his wife, Jeanne, 4 children: Andrew (Neeru) Hershey, Sara (John) Kelley, Julia (Douglas) Rumple and Kimberly (Patrick) Runchey, 8 grandchildren: Alec, Nick and Shaan Hershey, Katelyn and Scott Kelley, Madalyn Rumple, and Bailey and Jaden Runchey. A sister, Catherine Ann Fruth, Palo Alto, CA and several nieces and nephews, also survived him. His parents, John and Virginia Hershey and 3 brothers, John, Roderick and Richard Hershey, preceded Roger in death. Donations can be left in his name to Congregational United Church of Christ in Newton or the Lustgarten Foundation organization ( www.lustgarten.org).