Roger Lee Egli

Roger Lee Egli departed this life on May 9th, 2019, while in the company of family, at his home. He was born on August 4th, 1938 in Fort Dodge, Iowa. He was the firstborn son of Samuel Noah and Florence Gerber Egli. Sam and Florence. They owned a family dairy farm, first in Iowa and later in Pennsylvania. Roger's first love was life on the farm.

Roger married Vada Ferne Kauffman on April 3, 1960 at the home of the bride near Fairview, Michigan. Roger and Ferne had five children: Laura Lee, Sara Sue, Richard Roger, Timothy Thomas and Kathleen Kay. In the early years of their marriage, Roger and Fern resided near his family and then her family. Roger worked on the family farm at first, then for a Sand & Gravel Co. in Michigan. He kept the big earth-moving machines in good repair. He excavated ponds and basements for buildings. They moved from Michigan to La Junta in the early 1970s, joining the Mennonite community of the Arkansas Valley. Roger worked on a farm at first and then worked for many years in the maintenance department at AVRMC. When the Big Thompson Canyon flood occurred in 1976, Roger joined the rescue efforts of the Mennonite Disaster Service.

During his vacation times and later, in retirement, Roger loved to travel with his family, visiting National parks and family around the US. He loved to play the accordion for family and friends. He loved to work with wood in his shop, building wooden toys and whirligigs. Roger is remembered for his sense of humor, his love of Nature and his creative problem-solving.

Roger is survived by four adult children, Laura Egli of La Junta; Sara Egli of La Junta; Richard Egli of La Junta; and Kathy Egli, of Lead, SD; grandson, Kyle Egli; brothers, Dennis Egli of Lexington, KY; Charles (Darla) Egli of Bloomington, Indiana; Merle (Joanna) Egli of Marysville, Ohio; sister, Shirley (Jeff) Stickney of Orange County, CA; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife Vada Ferne Egli; and son, Timothy Thomas Egli.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, August 24, 2019 at 10:00 a.m. at the East Holbrook Mennonite Church with Pastor Brian Hanneken officiating.

Online condolences may be made at www.PeacockFH.com. Peacock-Larsen Funeral Home & Arkansas Valley Crematory is in charge of arrangements.


In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to the Mennonite Disaster Service 583 Airport Rd. in Lititz, PA 17543; or Arkansas Valley Hospice, 531 Lewis in La Junta, CO 81050.

Online condolences may be made at www.PeacockFH.com. Peacock-Larsen Funeral Home & Arkansas Valley Crematory is in charge of arrangements.