Roger Keith Kallenbach, 81, a loving husband, supportive father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend to all passed away Wednesday, April 5, 2017, in Mission, TX.
Roger was born April 9, 1935, to Harry and Mildred (VanVliet) Kallenbach in Niagra, WI. He married Carol Jane Hockman on July 3, 1955, at First Baptist Church, Morrison, IL. He enjoyed his summers in Lyndon, IL, and his winters in Mission, TX. Roger always shared his love of the Lord. He enjoyed many activities including cooking, gardening, singing with a barbershop group, and spending time with family and friends. Roger truly lived his life to the fullest. He was an Army veteran. As a small business owner, he operated Kallenbach’s Conoco Station in Morrison, when gas was 32 cents/gallon. Carol operated the Hole In One doughnut shop. Together they ran Kallenbach’s Food Stand for the annual ISHA Trail Ride and the Whiteside County Fair. He and his wife enjoyed their last career choice as Over the Road Professional Truck Drivers, before he retired at age 79. At the age of 59, he accomplished a lifelong goal by receiving his Bachelors Degree from Western Illinois University. In addition, Roger recently fulfilled his dream of publishing a book about his life titled Travels with CJ by Rog.
Roger is survived by his loving wife Carol; two sons, Steven of Florida and David (Lynne) of Smyrna, GA; daughter Darcy (Jim) Phillips, Santa Maria, CA. Roger has seven grandchildren, Heather Manglesen, Benjamin (Lauren) Kallenbach, Jonathan (Shelley) Kallenbach, Andrew (Emily) Phillips, Chelsea (Brian) Burgess, Alyssa (Jonathan) Hill, and Katelyn (Devon) Roth; seven great-grandchildren, Emily Halfacre, Ethan Manglesen, Jackson, Mabel and Harvey Kallenbach, and Annabel and Malcolm Phillips; a brother Jerry (Lynn) Kallenbach; three sisters, Beverly Camp, Sharon Stineman, and Diane Rixen; many nieces and nephews.
Roger was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Harry Lee, Stan, Frank, and Pat and his great-granddaughter, Kimberly Manglesen.
Per his wish, a Celebration of Life is planned for Saturday, August 12, 2017, at Morrison United Methodist Church, 200 W. Lincolnway, in Morrison, IL.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can made to United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR.ORG.)