Richard Rogge Obituary

Richard Cairns 'Rich' Rogge, 71, passed away peacefully in hospice care at home in Topeka, Kansas on Thursday, June 2, 2022 following a two year battle with cancer. He was born on October 4, 1950 in Lawrence, KS, the second of five children born to Beverly J. (Brunton) and Edgar C. Rogge.

Rich's family relocated several times during his childhood including moves to Gary, IN, Brockton, MA, Wichita, KS and Kirkwood, MO. In his junior and senior years at Kirkwood High School, Rich was a letter and medal winning member of the cross country team and was very proud to have run a mile at a personal best of 4 minutes and 32 seconds. Following his graduation from Kirkwood High in 1968, the family relocated once again to Lawrence, KS.

Rich attended the University of Kansas and graduated in 1973 with a BS degree in Business and later returned to earn a BS degree in Geology. He met his wife, Barbara Lose, while she was attending KU. They were married on September 9, 1978 and eventually settled in Overland Park, KS after briefly living in Texas. Rich and Barb had two children, Allison in October 1984 and Stephen in August 1990. As very proud and loving parents, their calendar was filled attending Ali and Stephen's school and sports events throughout the years.

Rich and Barb enjoyed a long, happy marriage until Barb's unexpected passing in 2014. Shortly afterwards, he retired and moved back to Lawrence where he still had many family and friends.

A few years later, Rich met Dr. Pamela Grant of Topeka, KS. They were married on March 17, 2018 in Lawrence. They made their life together on a ranch where Rich helped tend to the daily chores for the various horses, cattle, goats, and many competition show dogs inhabiting their space. He enjoyed traveling to dog show competitions with Pam. In his retirement, he loved the quiet, slower pace of life he and Pam fashioned for themselves in their country home.

Rich's quick wit, humor, and easy going personality allowed him to make fast and long lasting friendships. Known to his friends as 'Dogman', he was part of a large group of Lawrence hippies who have stayed close since their college days. Rich loved attending live music concerts, and he could cut a rug on any dance floor. Although he enjoyed many genres of music, reggae was an enduring soundtrack in his life.

To say Rich was one of a kind is an understatement to all who knew him. The enthusiasm with which he expressed his interests was second to none, including music, politics (he was a staunch Democrat throughout his life), sports (particularly KU basketball and Formula 1 racing), and enjoying time with friends and family. There surely is no one quite like Dogman, and he will be sorely missed by all who loved him.

He was preceded in death by his parents Ed and Beverly Rogge, stepfather Merle F. Black, sister Kathleen Rogge, and wife Barbara Rogge. 

Rich is survived by his wife, Dr. Pamela Grant, Topeka, KS, daughter Allison Rogge (Jeremy Antley), Portland, OR, son Stephen Rogge, Olathe, KS, grandson Maddox Antley and granddaughter Maeve Antley both of Portland, OR. Also surviving are his siblings; Pamela Begert (Mark), Lawrence, KS, Tish Rogge, Overland Park, KS, John Rogge, Eugene, OR, as well as his mother-in-law, four sisters-in-law, three brothers-in-law, and twelve nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Life is planned for Friday, June 17, 2022 from 6:00-9:00pm at the White Schoolhouse, 1510 N 3rd St, Lawrence, KS. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Richard's memory to the American Cancer Society at https://donate3.cancer.org/