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Obituary

Roger John Voss

May 20, 2016 | 4 comments

Roger John Voss lived a fulfilled life, going to see his redeemer and savior Jesus Christ on May 17, 2016 with the love of friends and family surrounding him.  Roger entered his glory land peacefully with angels singing and loved ones applauding.

Roger was born on January 25, 1940, (“1 month after Jesus”) to Viola and Carl Voss in Austin, MN.  Roger attended school in Austin where he was a star athlete in multiple sports.  He was especially honored to be on the Austin state championship basketball team.  Going on to the “U” of Colorado on a full scholarship, Roger excelled in basketball, still holding the record of most points (32) and most rebounds (28) in one game.

Roger met the love of his life, Jean Ann, who was also his cheerleader throughout their 54 years of marriage!  Both Roger and Jean Ann began their teaching careers at Fort Osage High School in Independence, MO.  Their final move was to La Crosse, WI to be near family

Roger had many accomplishments in life, but the most meaningful were being a dad and a husband.  Roger adored, beyond belief, his beloved children Kim and Jon, his three grandchildren, Elijah (16), Zachary (14), and Isabella (9), and his favorite son-in-law Aaron.  Many trips and creatively fun activities were relished by all.

Roger impacted countless lives in his 29 years of teaching physical education and coaching at Longfellow Middle School and teaching driver’s education at Central High School.  He also served as a driver’s educational administrator for 10 years at Western Wisconsin Technical School.

Roger has truly put others ahead of himself especially during this last chapter in his life, always telling us he was doing good right up to his final breath.  His saying was, “It only takes one day to die, and the rest of the days I am living.”

Roger’s strong faith in the Lord began at a young age.  After sprouting potatoes for his Grandma Voss, he was given $1.  Roger used his money to purchase a bible at the “five and dime” store.  He told his wife that he used to go to his room and read his bible.  If the chapter was unusually good, he would read the entire book!

After moving to La Crosse, Roger was an active servant and a wonderful friend to all at Olivet Lutheran Church.  This has been witnessed by the constant flow of loved ones from Olivet streaming in to visit and help out. We are so grateful for all of the support from family and friends.

Roger delighted in telling people his wife owned a church in South Dakota.  Actually, the church was co-owned in an abandoned town – Miranda, SD.  Roger enjoyed many pheasant hunting hosting’s at the church along with family gatherings – especially over the 4th of July with a free flow of fire works!

Roger would want everyone to continue trusting in the Lord and giving thanks always.  Lets help one another along the journey until our final destination with our best friend and savior, Jesus – King of Kings and Lord of Lords

A celebration of life will be held at 1:00 pm on Sunday, May 22nd at Olivet Lutheran Church 2100 Bainbridge St, La Crosse, WI 54603, with visitation from Noon until the time of the service.

In lieu of fresh cut flowers, plants are preferred.

 

In lieu of monetary gifts, donations to the church are preferred.
Coulee Region Cremation Group is assisting the family.

Condolences

4 Comments

  1. Charlie Rapp

    Jean Ann and family-

    We were incredibly saddened to hear of Roger’s passing. For us, there are so many great memories of our trips to Miranda each fall. Roger was a member of our hunting family, but also much more than that. He gave my brother and I countless bits of advice and counsel over the years. I’ll always remember the unique way in which he would tell a story. He had a terrific sense of humor that will be sorely missed. I’ve known him since I was very young, and can’t imagine that I won’t see him as usual this year.

    Godspeed to you Roger, and our sincerest condolences to Jean Ann, Kim, and Jon.

    Charlie, Curt, and Nick Rapp

  2. Mark Formanek

    Mr. Voss was my favorite teacher. Because of him I became a Physical Education teacher. He was also my driver instructor. He also was told me mad dog got the bone. He was a great teacher and always treated us with respect. He taught us wrestling when most teachers wouldn’t. I am so sad to hear this news. He will be missed by all of us Longfellow Trojans.

    Mark Formanek

  3. Becky Randall

    Couch V. You were a great teacher. All of your students respected and liked you very much. Please be an angel up there in heaven and watch over our kids as they play sports down here. Thank you for being who you were, a great leader and inspiration.

  4. Andrew Ruetten

    I will never forget what a fun and amazing teacher Coach V was. His height was intimidating but he was a gentle giant that wore purple Chuck Taylors. I’ll never forget the greatest game in middle school gym class, capture the island! Coach V would divide us up into two teams, I was always on the “yellow belly sap suckers.” We had some of the most epic nerf football battles.

    Thank you Coach V, for being a great teacher. I have some of the fondest memories of middle school because of your gym class. You will be missed.

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