Roger Ernest Metzinger was born November 7, 1942 to Ernest and Marilyn Metzinger in Caldwell, Kansas. Roger passed away April 7, 2021 at home in Caldwell. He was preceded in death by his father Ernest and daughter Gretchen Bell.
He is survived by his wife Dixie of 57 years; sons, Christopher of Minnesota, Michael and wife Tammy of Omaha, Nebraska, Peter of Caldwell, Kansas and Luke of Des Moines, Iowa; grandchildren, Cassandra Brown of Colorado, Jessica Robeck, Ezra and Nēva of Minnesota, Damek Marek and Caden, Acacia Marek of Omaha, Nebraska; great granddaughter, Alisa Green of Colorado. He is also survived by his mother Marilyn Metizinger Wichita, KS, brothers Gary and wife Penny of Virginia, Leon and wife Cathy of Wichita, Kansas, Ron and wife Mary of Wichita, Kansas and sister Janet and Dr. Robert LacKamp of St. Joseph, Missouri and many nieces and nephews.
Roger graduated from Caldwell High School in 1960 and went on to attended Wichita Technical College graduating in 1962. He was a supervisor installing elevators for Otis Elevator. Roger and Dixie were married November 16, 1963 at St. Martin of Tours Catholic Church. He served with United States Marine Corps for 4 years, 1966 to 1970. He served 13 months in Vietnam at Marble Mountain, and 1 and 1/2 years in the Presidential helicopter squadron in Quantico, VA.
In 1970, the family moved to Minnesota where Roger started working for Northwestern Bell phone company from which he retired from after 33 years and then went to work for IBM for 5 years.
Roger was ordained as a Deacon on September 25, 1982 in the Arch Diocese of St. Paul, Minnesota. He served in several Parishes over the years. Roger was also active in prison ministry in Buena Vista, Colorado, where he was responsible for getting Kairos started. He also was a volunteer for the Hartsel Fire Department, Hartsel, Colorado and a Hospice volunteer in Buena Vista, Colorado for 3 years.
Following cremation, Rosary will be held Saturday, May 1, 2021 at 10:00 a.m. with Mass to follow at 10:30 a.m. both at St. Martin of Tours Catholic Church with Fr. Thomas Hoisington officiating. Inurnment will follow at the Caldwell City Cemetery.
Memorials maybe made to the Caldwell Historical Society or to American Cancer Society and sent in care of the mortuary.
Condolences
Peace
Audra Dietz - 04/09/2021
Roger was a wonderful man and brought life to every situation! He was always good to me and we created many family memories, mostly, the familly ski trip at his home in Colorado. May he rest in peace and his memory be a blessing.
Sending prayers and love to
Kat Metzinger - 04/10/2021
Sending prayers and love to Aunt Dixie and their family. I will greatly miss Uncle Roger.
Dear Dixie and family,
Ann and Stu Miller - 04/12/2021
We Share Your Grief
Maryanne & Bob Freed - 04/16/2021
Dear Dixie and Family, Roger was always smiling and we shall miss that smile. He brought joy and faith into our home. We grieve his loss along with you. Peace and Love, Maryannne and Bob Freed
Condolences
Diane Casper - 04/25/2021
I worked with Roger many years at USWest/Qwest. I hadn't talked with him in years, however always fondly remembered our talks about our children. Prayers to Dixie and family. Forever fond memories!
Dear Dixie
willem T. oreilly - 04/27/2021
I know I don't have to tell you how wonderful Roger was--as kind and generous and lively as anyone could possibly be. A life force--full of positive enrgy. The world is a poorer place without him and much better becausee of all he was and did in a beutiful life.
Dixie,
Fergusons - 04/27/2021
We were both saddened learn of Roger. He lived life and will be missed! Peace and prayers, Dusty and Chris Ferguson
Rest in Peace
Terry Laverty - 05/01/2021
Roger was a first class man. I enjoyed staying with Roger, Dixie and Peter durning four Kairos Prison Ministy weekends in Buena Vista, Colorado. Roger had a wide variiety of interests so you could discuss many things with him, and you could even sing a little with Roger while he playied the guitar and Dixie played the organ/piano.. He will be missed by the people who knew him; worked with him; and also the communities he served. Rest in peace, Roger.
