August 22, 2014

Miss you Dad!
Love Tony.

Dear Jeanette and family,

i am so sorry we can not be with you at this time of grief and pain, but we are all there in spirit with you.

Although Rog was a quiet guy, he had his funny side too with his imitations of Donald Duck, Bugs Bunny and other ones that the kids all loved.

We had lots of good times together with Rog and he will be missed by us all.

You are all in our prayers and thoughts.

Love you, Sis,

Aunt Marge

Roger and I were childhood friends in grade school. We lived about 5 city blocks apart. Lost contact with him when we moved out of Ft. Wayne. Over the years have talked to other class mates trying to locate him. They could remember he moved before graduation. I send you my condolences.

Leland S. Sanders.
lssanders@omnicityusa.com

Dear Jeanette –

We were so sorry to hear of Roger’s death. We certainly shared wonderful, fun times together as we all grew up in New Haven. Remember our trip to Akron for the Soap Box Derby? He will always be remembered. We send our sympathy to you and your family during this difficult time. May God give you added strength each day. We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers,

Glen and Sharon Parker, The Villages, Fl,/Chagrin Falls, OH.

Uncle Roger is going to be missed GREATLY! He is sooo loved by many, and we have wonderful thoughts of U. Rog. Todd and I were just discussing the fond memories of Roger today, and I wanted to share…..

At the time of my parents 40th anniversary party Aunt Jeanette and Amanda rode the train to South Bend and stayed at our house until the surprise. Well our surprise was Sun. morning the doorbell rang and I opened the door to find Uncle Roger standing there wondering where everyone was at. My mom and dad usually are on the back porch drinking coffee and no one was there so he decided to come over to our house (it was about 6 AM!) He drove all night to surprise everyone…even his wife! So I asked him in and we sat and drank coffee while eating breakfast. Then Petie Merckx (4 yrs. old) came down and joined us at the dinner table. Uncle Roger sat at the head of the table, I sat next to him and Petie next to me. Petie couldn’t keep his eyes off of Roger -who had his long Amish beard at the time. Then all the sudden Petie put his hand up near his mouth so Roger couldn’t see, and whispered to me while pointing at Roger, "Santa, Santa is eating breakfast with us!" We never laughed so hard in our lives…well it was one of the times we laughed really hard that we cried!

Another fond memory was when Uncle Roger became a pen pal to my kindergarten class of 23. We wrote "Mr. Rogers" throughout the year, and he always wrote us back very interesting letters about Lancaster and his life. Then one package came and "Mr. Rogers" sent each child a crisp $1.00 bill. When you are 5 years old that means the word to them! He made so many children smile that day 🙂

I have very fond memories of my uncle, and I know he is in heaven watching over us all and waiting for us to join him because he has some new jokes to tell us!

We Love You!

Gwen Bookwalter (Merckx)

A man loved by so many is sure to be missed greatly. Your sorrow is shared across the miles and our family will think of you often during your time of grief. We would be honored to make a donation in Uncle Roger’s memory to the Riley’s Childrens Hospital and hope that you find comfort in the many memories you have to share.

God Bless

Dan,Renee’,Cierra and Caylee Moore

My fondest memory of Roger was the day after my wedding to Gwen (Merckx) on October 24, 1999. We were all gathered at my new in-laws house (Mary and DeWayne Merckx). One of our wedding gifts was a time capsule that could not be opened until October 23, 2024. My brother in laws (Pete Merckx), then wife, was waving the key to the lock around in the air saying "I will keep the key to the time capsule and you cannot open this until 25 years have passed." Roger pipes in and says, "All you need is a small screwdriver and you can unscrew the hinges on the back of the box to open it." Everyone in the room roared with laughter.

I wish I could have known him better. I cherished the time with him. I always enjoyed his sense of humor.

Rest in peace.

Todd Bookwalter

P.S. For a mature, elderly gentleman, he drove a cool car.

Jeanette and family,

A special memory of Roger and you at our 50th class reunion. It was so good to see you. Our thoughts and Prayers of Sympathy are with you at this sad time.

In Friendship, Marlene and Gene Springer.

We would like to send our heartfelt sympathy to all of you!! I wish we could be there to celebrate your father, husband, grandfathers life together as a family. We are with you in prayer, since we are unable to be there in person. Hopefully all the letters of comfort will feel like a big hug. God Bless. Uncle Rog was very Special!!!!

Love

Mark & Pam Morton

Dear Aunt Jeanette and kids:

Be assured of my thoughts and prayers as well as the memories of many a project…from soap box derby to woodwork galore…the many accomplishments (whole and in part!) of a patient man. Rest in Peace Uncle Roger!

Love ya,

Pat (Schrader)

"BRO" Rog – At Peace & Happy Nat,Greg,Val,Jeff,Stef & Tony My thoughts, prayers, and best wishes are with you all as we mourn the passing of a very dear friend~ Your Father.

You can all take particular solice in the fact that from my viewpoint, throughout the years, all you kids were in his mind and thoughts in about all he did. With our many [although not enough] visits together you all at some point of our visits came up in conversations whether it be one our many 3:00am conversations, trips, or just wandering around in the back yard. While you may not agreed with all he did, you can certainly learn and carry a piece of him with you always by remembering those good and not so good examples he may have gave you all to help you in all in your travels through life.

"Bear" … what can I say except that while a HUGH VOID has been handed us, a likewise hugh reservoir of memories of good & sometimes bad times, laughs, a lot of plain old fun has been left us [walking beaches of Lk Mi, midnight "lunch breaks", Nd Visits, etc.] and cannot be taken away. We believe that Rog is at peace now, his job here on earth done, and he can relax now waiting for us to "catch up with him" in God’s arms.

I join you in the mourning now and the rest of our lives in the missing of "Bro" Rog …….. Bro … R. DeWayne, Mary and the rest of the Mishawaka/Detroit Merckx’s …. thinking of you always!

My thoughts and prayers are with you. We will miss Uncle Roger.

Deb Jackson and Family

Dear Jeanette;

I was so sorry to learn of your loss of Roger. Our pastor Fr. Hohenwarter told me about the funeral on Wednesday. Since I can’t be at the Mass, due to having eye surgery, I wanted you to know I understand what you and your family are feeling. My husband died in Oct. of 2006 and I’m still adjusting to the loss. I pray that God will give you all His love and comfort.

God Bless-

Jean Garreth

With our heartfelt sympathies, God bless you and your families in this time of healing……..Uncle Roger will be missed by many.

Phillip Moore and family…

Dear Jeanette,

Thinking and your family at this most difficult time, our thoughts and prayers are with you all.

Love Aunt Wilma Schrader

Dad,
I miss you!!
Love,     
Teppy

My thoughts and prayers are with you. We will miss Uncle Roger. We love you.

Joni Fleckenstein

I will always remember the Donald Duck voices. I hope he can teach my dad a few of them. You are all in our thoughts.

Love,

Jennifer and Brantley

I AM SO SORRY TO HEAR OF ROGER’S PASSING, ROGER AND I WENT TO HIGH SCHOOL TOGETHER, I KNOW HIS WIFE WELL, THEY ARE BOTH VERY LOVING PEOPLE, AND GOOD FRIENDS ALWAYS, TO ALL OF HIS FAMILY, I WOULD LIKE TO SAY I AM JUST VERY SORRY!! I WILL KEEP YOU ALL IN MY PRAYERS!! OUR HEAVENLY FATHER WILL HELP YOU WITH THE HEALING!! FROM A GOOD FRIEND, WHO REMEMBERS ROGER WELL!!

MARY LOU HAWK, A FELLOW CLASSMATE!!

Sorry for your lost of husband and father. You are remember in my prayers.

Joan Schrader Haverstick

Jeanette,

We didn’t get to see much of you and Roger, but we so enjoyed the time we spent with you when you would visit Mary and DeWayne.  It was always fun to be with the two of you.  You have our sincere condolences on Roger’s passing.  He was a special guy.  May you find comfort in the love of friends and family, and in knowing you have your own guardian angel.  May God bless you and give you solace.

Sherry and Doug Deckard

I have many fond memories of my Big Brother.  He took me to school on his motocycle, and walked me through the high school to my first grade classroom.  I was proud to say the least, and I was always proud of Rog.  Being 11 1/2 years younger, I always looked up to him.  We had many little fun comments over I.U. vs. Purdue..and the list goes on.  What a guy!  His quality of life the last few weeks was miserable, and I know he is in a better place now.

Love to all,

Roger’s sister, Annette Konupek

Aunt Jeanette & all my cousins:

My love to you all!!  My heart was heavy all week and I just wanted to be with you and give you all hugs!  Words cannot begin to say of what my memories hold. Back in the day….I could hardly stand the wait when I knew the Durbins were coming to town!  It was one of the best parts of my summer.  And the trips to Pennyslvania were always with adventure.  Uncle Roger always tried to interact with us and was also the strong silent one that you never knew what to expect but always knew there would be "donald duck" or a coin trick in the making. He was a special uncle–and has a wife and children that are some of my favorite people in my life!  May your memories and family and friends keep you strong.  I luv u!

diane

God bless Uncle Rodger you will be missed. He really did touch so many lives in our families. He will be remembered as a great family man.

We will miss him PETE and PETIE.

Janette,

We didn’t get to see much of you and Roger, but we so enjoyed the time we spent with you when you would visit Mary and DeWayne. It was always fun to be with the two of you. You have our sincere condolences on Roger’s passing. He was a special guy. May you find comfort in the love of friends and family, and in knowing you have your own guardian angel. May God bless you and give you solace.

Sherry and Doug Deckard

I remember staying at your house….. there were tornado warnings so the adults had all the kids stay in a room off the kitchen to wait out the storm. Later when the storm let up we heard a rather odd sound. A cow was mooing and it seemed to be really close. Oh it was close……. it was Uncle Roger standing by the window trying to freak us out!!! It worked!

Uncle Roger will forever be in our minds as well as our hearts! Our thoughts & prayers are with you all in this time of sorrow.

Love to ALL, Cindy & Dave Stevens

JUST WANTED TO SAY WE THANK MARY AND DEWAYNE FOR LETTING US GET TO KNOW YOU ROGER AND JEANETTE, WE SURE ENJOYED THE FUN TIMES WE HAD WITH YOU IN INDIANA, AND ALL THE SILLY THINGS WE DID TOGETHER.

WILL BE THINKING OF YOU (JEANETTE) AND FAMILY, WILL TRY TO TAKE CARE OF MARY AND DEWAYNE FOR YOU.

LOVE AND PRAYERS

BOB AND LOUISE SNYDER

Dear Jeanette & family:

Certainly it must be a relief to know Roger is now at peace and not in pain for he suffered for many years. Still losing a loved is an extremely difficult and sorrowful experience. All your fond memories, however, will give you strength with the help of our good lord. We are sorry for your loss.

Ray & Shirley Kneisley

we will so very much miss uncle roger and are keeping all of you in our prayers, we are thinking of you, and wishing we could be there to give you a big hug. so it will have to be a long distance " big old schrader hug" we love you aunt jeanette and hope to see you in june. god be with you as you make this final journey with uncle roger, please know that all our thoughts are with you and we are praying for you. much love.

john and pat williams

Dear Jeanette and family,

Uncle Roger is Loved and missed. I can remember at my wedding, as my sister has already remembered, I don’t knowhow many people asked me which side we had Amish on? I would just say, yeah it took Uncle Rog and Aunt Jeanette 8 days straight to ride in on their horse and buggy.

What I remember most is my 6th year surprise birthday party at Jelly stone Park in Pierceton, Indiana. When Rodger and the whole fam showed up….. Roger orchestrated the largest human pyramid with his children, my cousins, and us until we were about 8 tiers tall out of 35 or so kids…………  All weekend he magically made coins and trinkets appear from my ear, and I couldn’t figure out how……. It was magic; I still have those coins in a box somewhere……..

The funniest time that me and Tony can remember to this day………….Well, funny now, but then I thought I was going to bleed to death. Back at Grandmas house; Me and Tony were teasing Charlie; who was spitting at us from his window……He hawked up a big loogie, and I saw it coming in slow motion straight for my eye, so I turned on my heels and started a sprint immediately……….. BAM !!!!!! Straight in to Tony; I split my nose open on his forehead, and their we laid on the ground; practically knocked out from the forced of the hit…………    (This is where I get all humored up) After we were cared for by our beautiful cousins, Bonus….. and Grandma told us to get some rest on those couches by the big black guerilla full of change on the floor.
I went upstairs to sleep where no one can get rest with that coo coo clock, so as I lay there under a thousand quilts sweating and staring at the ceiling. Roger comes up and sits on the edge of the bed to check up
on my nose; as I looked at him all groggy; he begins to explain how by examining the arc of the spit from the window above, I should have ran towards the house, and Charlie never would have been able to spit on us………   

I’ve been examining the arc path of spit ever since…….. Thanks for being that Engineer you always were to us kids; From one Engineer to another…… If you can not measure it, you can not improve it.

Good times never forgotten with Rog, and he will be missed by us all. You are all in our prayers and thoughts.

Love you,
Mike and Elizabeth Merckx

Jeanette

Sorry we can’t be with you at this time. We’ll miss Rog also. And thank you for being at my 80th birthday party the last time we were together.

Love you and take care

Don and Kate Schrader

I pray you will find comfort in God right now, that is the One and only comfort we can truely count on. Aunt Janette I will never forget how you brightened our spirits when Dad was dying. I wish I could be there to say good bye and help you the way you helped me. Uncle Roger is no longer suffering and is singing with the angels right now. I will keep you all in my prayers. I love you,

Dottie

I had the pleasure to work by Roger’s side. We crossed paths at Ham Tech but we caught up with each other at AMP in the 80’s. I’m sure he didn’t bore you with work but I will tell you he was the proverbial ‘Gentleman and a Scholar’, but he will always be remembered for his wit and humor. I’ll share a legendary Roger Durbin response. A coworker was a father with young sons one of which had swallowed a nickel and was told by the doctor that it should pass naturally if not then other action would be required. So the coworker was relating how he was searching through the diaper for the nickel when Roger quipped with his matter of fact tone "Andrew, I didn’t know you were that cheap!"

We all have had acquaintances at work some you remember and some you care to forget, Roger was definetly a keeper. He was a fellow engineer that makes me proud to be part of the profession. I consider him to be one of my mentors and miss his stories.

I’m sure I speak for most of his coworkers when I say thank you for letting us know him for eight hours a day for a few years. He made the days go quickly.

My deepest condolences,

Jim English

P.S. Roger, you know you shouldn’t stand in bed.

I worked with Jeanette at Calvary Fellowship Homes in the early 1980’s. Jeanette will miss her husband very much. They were a loving and funny couple. Our sympathy to you Jeanette and your family……

Jan Messner,
Lynchburg Virginia (formerly of Lancaster PA)

As fellow AMP employees, it was my pleasure to work with Roger for many years. He was always so pleasant and kind and always ready to lend a helping hand to any one in need. He was a true professional.

I recall swapping stories about our hobbies and families. Roger talked about his soapbox derby adventures and how it always seemed to get in the way of his kitchen cabinet project. I told him about my latest woodworking project. I always felt like Roger and I had a lot in common, not only with work, but also in how we spent our personal time.

Roger will be sorely missed by me personally and by all who came to know him over the years. A more pleasant man, a more capable engineer and a better friend would be hard to find.

I know Roger is headed for Heaven. I will look him up on that day I arrive.

Phil Kling