On Friday, September 14, 2018, I Kevin Allen Rogers passed onto another life ' whatever that may be, at the age of 55. I lived a fruitful, abundant, and good life, filled with many fond and joyous memories of times spent surrounded by family, friends, and loved ones.
I fought a valiant fight with cancer since September 2014, but the ravages of the dreaded disease became too much for my body, mind, and soul to handle.
I was born October 5, 1962, the eldest of three sons of Eileen Kathryn Leonard (Rogers) and Richard Eugene Rogers. I was raised in Mount Vernon, Iowa, and throughout my lifetime lived in Cedar Rapids, Iowa; Cedar Falls, Iowa; Volga, Iowa; finally settling in West Branch, Iowa in December 2006.
I met the love of my life, Matthew Christan Brunscheen on September 22, 2000, legally marrying him on September 19, 2009. At the time of my passing we'd been together for 18 years. Like any marriage we relished in the happiness our union brought to the both of us but enduring the difficult times as well. Matthew and I traveled the world together going to places that neither of us envisioned ever going in our lifetime, as well as traveling within the continental United States. Bottom line we firmly believed that it wasn't where we went or what we did in life, it was who we did it with.
I am survived by Matthew Christan Brunscheen (husband); Jeffrey (Barb) Rogers (brother), Linn Creek, Missouri; Douglas (Lisa) Rogers (brother), Prairie Du Chein, Wisconsin; Richard Rogers (estranged -biological father), Solon, Iowa; Linda Brunscheen (mother-in-law), Wesley Chapel, Florida; William (Cheryl) Brunscheen (father-in-law), Solon, Iowa; William 'BJ' Leonard (uncle), Solon, Iowa; Tony (Judy) Serbousek (uncle),Iowa City, Iowa; Troy and Kelly Winegar (brother and sister-in-law), Solon, Iowa; Kirk Brunscheen (brother-in-law) and Michelle Maker, Cedar Rapids, Iowa; Katie Rogers (niece), Prairie Du Chein, Wisconsin; Scott Brunscheen and Nik Pugmire (special cousins), Chicago, Illinois; Shane Brunscheen and Paul Brummond (special cousins), Des Moines, Iowa; Gabriella 'Brie' (Nick) Henry (niece), Solon, Iowa; Tyler Winegar (nephew), Cedar Rapids, Iowa; Tate Winegar (nephew), Cedar Rapids, Iowa; Kristin (Steven) Abernathy (niece), Seneca, Missouri; Logan (Kristine) Rogers (nephew), Linn Creek, Missouri; Kirk Michael Brunscheen (nephew), Texas; Cedric Brunscheen (nephew), Cedar Rapids, Iowa; Logan Brunscheen (nephew), Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and many cousins and close friends.
Proceeding me in death was my mother Eileen Kathryn (Leonard) Rogers and her parents William P. and Lavona A. Leonard and aunts, Rita Serbousek and Mary Jensen.
Per my wishes there will be no formal services. I'd rather everyone celebrate the good time we had and shared, instead of mourning my passing. I have also decided to donate my body to the University of Iowa in hopes that it will advance the understanding of cancer and the ravages the dreaded disease has on the human body.
Instead a Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, September 22, 2018, starting at 3:00 PM to whenever, at Matthew's and my home in West Branch. Come celebrate the wonderful life I had -not my passing.
My arrangements are being handled by longtime friends Jacob Wittrock and Scott Greenman of Stewart Baxter Funeral & Memorial Services. Any memorials can be forwarded to Matthew Brunscheen or to the First Friday Breakfast Club, Jonathan Wilson, President, c/o Davis Brown Law Firm, 215 10th St, Suite 1300, Des Moines, Iowa 50309.
I’m so sorry to read about Kevin’s passing. I worked with him at Pearson years ago and it was always fun being around him. He was so energetic and demonstrative. Days were never dull working with Kevin.
Bill Funk
I always enjoyed working with Kevin, he was fun to be around. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Matt I am thinking of you.
What fun we had working on our project at Pearson so many years ago! My condolences go out to Matt and your family.
Marnie Campbell
I didn’t know Kevin at all; however, after reading this obituary written by him, I can’t help but think he must have been just a truly wonderful person and I’m sorry I didn’t know him. My sincere condolences to all of his family and friends, and especially to Matt. What a gift Kevin must have been to you all. Deb B.
To Matt and the family, my sincere sympathies. Even though I knew Kevin had cancer, I wasn’t expecting the news that he had “moved on”. I loved the obituary he wrote for himself, his wish for a Celebration of Life, and giving of his body to research. It really reminded me of who Kevin was and how he made the best of every situation. I worked with Kevin at Pearson and he was so full of life. I just know that Kevin and Eileen (Kevin’s mom) are making some noise wherever they are!!
Matt – we were so sorry to hear of Kevin’s passing. We both enjoyed working with you him — with both of you– over the years. Thinking of you at this time.
Suzie and Todd Nielsen
Our deepest sympathies .
YOU ARE IN OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS
SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS
ROBERT & DORIS HENRY
CEDAR RAPIDS ,IA
Matt, Jeff and Doug,
I’m so very sorry to hear about Kevin. When I saw him in April, he looked so good. Kevin was such a fun guy. I worked with him on the Alumni Assn. and he had something going on all the time. He was such a love and always so willing to help and share. Some of the tales he told, never knew if they were true or not, but we had a LOT of fun and good laughs. Keep Kevin’s beautiful eyes and smile in your hearts always, God be with him. I will miss him so much. We never did get to have our lunch date…..I was so looking forward to that.
My sympathy to you all,
Annamae Baker’