Roger Rife, 72, of Mount Vernon, passed away Friday, June 18, 2021, at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City, following a brief illness. Funeral service was held Thursday, June 24, 2021, at the Mount Vernon United Methodist Church, by Pastor Marsha Acord. Private burial was at Lone Tree Cemetery. Stewart Baxter Funeral & Memorial Services of Mount Vernon is caring for the family.
Roger Earl Rife was born Jan. 10, 1949, in Nichols, Iowa, to Wayne “Babe” and Dr. Gladys Talcott Rife. He grew up in Mount Vernon, getting into trouble as kids with his brother, Jim, including bonfires and that depot incident. Their childhood fun kept their parents busy.
Roger graduated from Mount Vernon High School in 1967, then attended several colleges, completing three and a half years. He met Nancy Buenger at a children’s symphony event in Cedar Rapids, and they were married at the Allee Chapel at Cornell on Aug. 4, 1990. He worked at Neal’s for many years and found joy in providing service to the community, and was even rewarded with pie from time to time.
Roger enjoyed traveling and going on road trips (preferring to take the back roads), having bonfires, playing cards with family and friends, going to stock car races, and watching sports, especially the Hawkeyes.
Roger happily retired after nearly 40 years. He liked setting up bird feeders to watch the birds, and was always creative in keeping the squirrels away.
Roger was a good man and a well-regarded member of the Mount Vernon community who liked visiting with everyone in a variety of places. He loved attending the symphony and local theatre events with his wife. Roger had a great sense of humor and was a wonderful storyteller. His family treasured his joyful laughter.
Survivors include his wife: Nancy; children: Aaron Thomson, Carrie (Patrick) Witt, Jon (Shawn) Rife, Emilie Minnick (Richard Wecker), and Adam Rife; grandchildren: Eliana, Bethany and Devon Homer, Mason, Jersey, and Letty, and one on the way; siblings: John (Thelma) Rife, Joyce Rife, and Jim (Nancy A.) Rife; special family member: Lisa Thomson; numerous nieces and nephews; and many extended family members, friends, and neighbors.
He was preceded in death by his parents; and sister: Jeanne.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Arts Iowa Annual Fund to support Orchestra Iowa.
