St. Joseph, Missouri…Roger Kenneth Spiegel, better known as “Papa”. Born September 24, 1946, to Lester and Edna Spiegel, brother to Richard (Kay), Paul (Nancy Sue), Earl (Georgeanna), and Billy (Jean). Husband to Sharon, father of three children, Crystal (Christopher), Elizabeth (Oscar), and Bradley (Sallie); adopted daughter, Michelle (Ray); 14 grandchildren, Caleb (Stormy) Britney (Kevin), Rachel, Jessie May (Matthew), Kelsie (Amber), Marissa (Walker), Michaela, Bradley “Bo” (Webber), Hannah, Triston, Oscar Jose, Gabby (Caysen), Miles, and Elle; and 10 great grandchildren, Harper, Riley, Tatum, Francis, Amelia, Maddox, Brooks, OakLynn, Dean, and Lennon. Friend, teacher and chauffeur to anyone else he met. He leaves a long legacy of love, perseverance, honesty, and faithful devotion to his Lord and Savior.
Roger never complicated life, he kept it simple and enjoyable. He loved football and Dr Pepper, always enjoyed trips “back home” to Bolivar and took pride in being from the town. He was a forklift driver and warehouseman for 32 years. He served on the board of South Park Christian Academy as President and volunteered in many capacities at the school. Roger always did good…
Roger never asked for much but was always willing to go the extra mile for others. He was a family man, passing down his wit to his son and grandsons and his smile and laugh to his daughters. He put great pride and importance on his marriage and commitment to love and honor Sharon. Their life together was truly inspirational. He holds her hand through Eternity. He took nothing and no one for granted. Roger was driven to overcome physical ailments and pain, his work ethic was to be admired, as was his humility and ability to be a peacemaker.
Roger enjoyed traveling with his family, never a need for directions, he always knew where he was going. He had a keen sense of humor, not a man of many words but plenty of jokes and “Roger-isms”.
Roger Kenneth Spiegel, September 24, 1946-October 22, 2024…it is that dash between the two dates that made him one of the best people you may ever have had the honor of meeting.
Understand that is a bold statement, but believe it to be very true. The people that make the biggest impact in the world are people like our Papa—honest, faithful, and putting the needs of his family first, it’s bigger than I think Pa even realized. He would tell you the two most important decisions he ever made were these: to give his heart and soul to Jesus and to love and care for his family. He gave this life his best, without him it feels like we have lost ours.
Roger was predeceased in death by his mother and father, his brothers Paul and Earl, and his sister-in-laws Monti, Kay and Georgeanne.
Visitation will be held from 4:00 ~ 6:00 p.m. on Friday, October 25, 2024, at the River Church in St. Joseph, MO. Funeral Service will be immediately following visitation, starting at 6:00 p.m. at the River Church. Graveside service will be at 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 26, 2024, at the Greenwood Cemetery in Bolivar, MO.
