When he was less than a year old his family moved to Dixon County, Nebraska. In 1939, he started school in Martinsburg, Nebraska, and graduated from High School in Newcastle, Nebraska, in 1951. He was proud to have played on an undefeated Newcastle football team. At graduation he received a scholarship in Diesel Mechanics at the Nebraska State Trade School in Milford, Nebraska.
He enlisted in the U.S. Navy as Seaman Recruit on February 1, 1952, and attended Boot Camp in San Diego, California. He was chosen Honor-man of his Company upon completion of the training. After being trained in Sonar he was assigned to the U.S.S. John W. Thomason DD-760 in November 1952. He served aboard the Destroyer for the next 3 years, 2 months, and 4 days. The Thomason completed three cruises to the Western Pacific during his time abroad. The first, in 1953, when in early July he was engaged in a gun battle with enemy shore emplacements a few days before the conflict ended on July 27, 1953. He received the National Defense Service Medal, China Service Medal, United Nations Service Medal, and the Korean Service Medal with two engagement stars. Roger advanced to Sonarman Petty Officer First Class before he was released from active duty on January 27, 1956. He then served in inactive duty status and was honorably discharged January 31, 1960.
He completed one year of a two-year course in Radio/TV at the Nebraska State Trade School in Milford, Nebraska. He interrupted this training to go to work for the Civil Aeronautics Authority at Chadron, Nebraska, as an Electronics Technician (GS-856-7) on November 12, 1957. He transferred to North Platte, Nebraska, in 1969 and to Grand Island, Nebraska, in 1980. He served as a Supervisory Electronics Technician in the capacity of the Assistant Manager for the Program Support Sector Office of the Federal Aviation Administration until his retirement on September 1, 1989.
On May 31, 1958, he married Connie Marie Wendte in Ponca, Nebraska. They were blessed with three children: Scott Roger, Brenda Jo and Marci Marie. Roger rarely missed attending any of his children's and grandchildren's activities. Roger enjoyed fishing and hunting, especially waterfowl hunting. An outing with his metal detector was also enjoyed. He liked to spend time on his computer researching family genealogy.
Roger was preceded in death by his parents. Two brothers-in-law: James Lewon and Paul Stople. A half-sister: Helen (Headley) Gutebier Foster and two half-brothers: Glenn Headley and Kenneth Headley. Brothers and sisters in law: Lyle (Mildred) Wendte, Faye (Leonard) Marron, Shirley (Bob) Livingston, Junealee (Chris) Voss and Jim Wendte; parents-in-law, Oscar and Effie Wendte.
He is survived by his wife, Connie, of 64 years. Son: Scott (Carol) Voss of Lincoln, Nebraska; Daughters: Brenda (Darin) Mensik of Denton, Nebraska; and Marci (Rodney) Walther of Lincoln, Nebraska. Grandchildren: Brian Scott (Kristen) Voss, Kaylee Jo (Brady) Tolle, Jacob Roger Mensik and Nathan Frank Mensik. Great-grandchildren: Samuel Brian Voss and Baby Boy Tolle due October 2022. Sisters: Janet Lou Stolpe of Magnet, Nebraska; and Mary Ann Lewon of Laurel, Nebraska. Brother and Sisters-in-law: Janice Wendte of Yankton, South Dakota; Bob (Sue) Wendte of Newcastle, Nebraska; and several nieces and nephews.
https://www.lincolnccfh.com/obituary/Roger-Voss