Roger Homewood

Roger L. Homewood, 93, of Oelwein, Iowa, went to be with the Lord on Thursday, April 18, 2024. He died peacefully at his Arlington Place Assisted Living home in Oelwein.

Funeral Service: 10:30 A.M. April 29, 2024, Monday, at Grace United Methodist Church, Oelwein, with Rev. Rick Johnson and Rev. Lisa Schroeder officiating.
Visitation: 4:00 to 7:00 P.M. April 28, 2024, Sunday, at the Jamison-Schmitz Funeral Home, Oelwein and for one hour before services at the church on Monday.
Interment: Floral Hills Memorial Gardens, rural Oelwein.
Cards & Memorials may be directed to Karen Michels 17283 80th Street, Oelwein, Iowa 50662.
Online obituary at www.jamisonschmitzfuneralhome.com

Roger Lyle Homewood was born November 22, 1930, in Edgewood, Iowa, the son of Lyle Ira & Mildred (Stone) Homewood. Roger graduated from Edgewood High School where he excelled in all sports. His family loved to hear the stories of him hitting home runs, especially the time the ball sailed over the pine trees. After graduation, Roger moved to Lamont where he worked at a gas station. That is where he first laid eyes on Maxine Wells, with whom he fell in love with. Roger was united in marriage to Maxine Marie Wells on March 18, 1950, in Dubuque, Iowa. They were blessed with five children. They lived in Masonville for two years, then they moved to Lamont until later moving to Oelwein. They were members of Grace United Methodist Church. Roger worked for Carnation Milk Company, delivering milk to homes and grocery stores. A milkman would wake up early to get the milk delivered through all kinds of weather. Roger enjoyed fishing, hunting, traveling, playing pinochle and 500, training racing homer pigeons and many family camping vacations. Schroeder Park on Cedar Lake in Minnesota was Maxine and Roger’s “Golden Pond.” The family enjoys memories of many campfire talks. When Roger played cards at the West Central Senior Club it was hard to outshine him. His name appeared often in the newspaper as “high card.” Roger enjoyed following his children, grandchildren and some of the great grandchildren at their sporting events. He was an avid Chicago Cubs and Iowa Hawkeye fan. After retirement, Roger and Maxine wintered in Donna, Texas where they built many friendships. When Maxine passed away on October 19, 2002, after 52 years of marriage, Roger knew Adele Anderson from the same Countryside Park, who had also lost her longtime mate. Roger was united in marriage to Adele Anderson on November 1, 2003, and they enjoyed companionship and sharing. After nine years in Texas, they moved to Oelwein, enjoying life until Adele passed away in March of 2013. Roger lived at the Mealey Hotel, and you often found him at the senior meal center or playing cards. He joined Grace United Methodist Church again where he ushered and enjoyed fellowship with his fellow members. Time passed and an old friendship rekindled between Roger and Eleanor McGraw Riley. Eleanor and Ted and Roger and Maxine were previous couple friends. Roger was united in marriage to Eleanor on November 25, 2017, in Masonville. Roger and Eleanor shared companionship and caring for one another while they made their home at Arlington Place Assisted living the past two and a half years. Roger will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him.

Roger is survived by his wife: Eleanor Homewood of Oelwein; 5 Children: Karen “Nickey” (John) Michels of Oelwein, JoAnn “Josie” (David) Culpepper of Simms, Texas, Richard “Dick” (Debby) Homewood of Cedar Falls, Nancy (Ed) MacKenzie of Sarasota, Florida & Jeffrey Homewood of Aurora, Colorado; 12 grandchildren: Cory (Sarah) Michels, Nichole (Melissa) Michels, Elly (Brad) Steffen, Megan (Scott) Rima,
Jodie (Dewayne) Mayher, Jennifer (Brian) Echols, Chad (Laura) Homewood, Luke (Megan) Homewood,
Dirk (Brenna) Homewood, Zachary (Cassidy) Homewood, Blake Homewood & Grace Homewood;
29 Great Grandchildren: Mary (Beau) Winters, Adam Michels (friend: Alexis), Emma Michels, Madelyn Michels, Milagro “Mila” Michels, Derek Steffen, Drew Steffen, Dustin Steffen, Isabelle Rima, Brock Rima, Bo Rima, Adrianne (Tyler) Van Houten, Tiffany (Aaron) Fisher, Ashley Rechkemmer (Dustin Moya), Jamie (J.C.) Doss, Sydney Homewood, Carter Homewood, Sam Homewood, Mirissa Homewood, Mara Homewood, Jacey Homewood, Ella Homewood, Todd Homewood, Ike Homewood, Afton Homewood, Colt Homewood, Hayden Homewood & Gage Homewood; 9 Great Great Grandchildren: Slade Moya, Harlyn Moya, Briley Van Houten, Ty Van Houten, Graham Van Houten, Leo Van Houten, Johnny Doss, Lynleigh Fisher & Waylon Fisher; Sister: Betty Opitz of Lamont and many Nieces & Nephews.

Roger was preceded in death by his parents; first wife: Maxine on October 19, 2002; 2nd wife: Adele in March of 2013 and great granddaughter: Kate Natalie Michels (August 22, 2021).