Roger Ferris, age 70, of Ames died Friday, February 27, 2015, at Israel Family Hospice House in Ames. Family and friends will gather from 4:00 - 7:00 p.m. Thursday, March 5, at Grandon Funeral and Cremation Care, 414 Lincoln Way, and at a celebration of life memorial service at 11:00 a.m. Friday, March 6, at Memorial Lutheran Church, 2228 Lincoln Way, Ames.
Roger was born October 18, 1944, in Mason City, Iowa - the son of Gerald and Helen (Swaroff) Ferris. In 1947, the family moved to Algona, and Roger graduated from Algona High School in 1962. He attended Iowa State University until 1967, when he was drafted into the United States Army. He married Pamela Hopkins on January 14, 1968, in Algona. They lived briefly in Virginia while he was stationed at Fort Eustis, and then he served in Thailand through May, 1968. Upon discharge, they returned to Iowa State, where Roger received his BS in Applied Art in 1971 and began working on his Masters in ceramic pottery.
Roger spent his entire 32-year professional career at the Iowa State Memorial Union. Beginning as a part-time pottery instructor, he created The Workspace and The Outlet, a sales shop for student and local artists. He then served as Union Program Director, Facility Manager, and Associate Director, retiring in 2003. He enjoyed working in all these capacities, and especially loved working with "the Union family," students and the public, striving always to promote and preserve MU's rich traditions.
Roger was a member of Memorial Lutheran Church and served on the Board of Directors as recording secretary and property chairman. He also was a past member of the Noon Kiwanis and was their Pancake Days organizer for several years.
Roger is survived by his wife, Pam; daughter, Jennifer (Ben) Voaklander; son, Andrew Ferris; grandchildren, Haley, Adam and Will Voaklander all of Ames; sisters-in-law Jan Ferris of O'Fallon, IL; Pat (Charles) Henningsen of Ruthven; and brother-in-law Kent Hopkins of Paradise Valley, AZ; nieces and nephews; and beloved dog, Sadie. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Jerry, and sister Patt.
Roger not only lived life, he celebrated it. He loved making others smile; working on creative, construction or repair projects; and especially making lasting family memories at Lake Okoboji and Estes Park, Colorado. Through courage, dignity, grace, and humor - his approach to dealing with cancer for the past 18 years -
it never robbed him of his joy for life. As Haley writes, "There wasn't a person he couldn't make laugh, problem he couldn't fix or animal he couldn't whisper with."
Memorials may be directed to Bliss Cancer Center, Memorial Lutheran Church, or the Roger Ferris Memorial Union Scholarship Fund through the ISU Foundation.
Online condolences may be directed to: www.grandonfuneralandcremationcare.com
My sympathy aand prayers go out to Pam and family. I grew up in Rogers neighborhood and knew all the family. used to work with Roger in his driveway since we both had MG cars. also stayed with him when i visited Ames in our college days.never knew him when he wasn't smiling. what a great guy.
Roger was a man's man. He could do anything or at least he thought he could, he made other guys jealous with all he could do. I have been watched Roger for years and I was always at awe at this projects. In Ames, in Estes Park, or at Lake Okoboji, he never stopped working. His uplifting attitude got him thru so many projects, that others would of called it quits. His projects kept him going thru all those years that cancer was try to stop him. Both Roger and Pam met the Devil at cancer door and said "Step aside, we got work to do" God bless you brother
My heart is so very very heavy since reading the news. I'm sure I never met another fella, while delivering mail, like Roger. Gentle and caring, and always witty. Being near the end of my route, I was always glad to see him, his spirit was just what I needed to finish up. I will truly miss his warm smile...my heartfelt sympathy to all of his friends and family...
Pam and family we are so sadden of your loss, our prayers are with you and your family.I remember all the Ferris family.I grew up with them!Roger was such a great guy and loved you all so much.Sending our love.
Roger would put a smile on my face ever time I saw him and lucky for me that was often. A quote from Helen Keller says it best for me about Roger."While the right friends are near us,we feelthat all is well. Our everyday life blossoms suddenly into bright possibilities." Rest in peace dear friend.
Roger was the best friend and neighbor.I will miss his positive presence at our impropmtu gatherings on our street.He was at our door 2 minutes after we moved in tohelp with anything. I was always abit worried about the young and old "kids" that Roger might scare on Halloween. He had a knack for tomfoolery and I liked it. Miss you Roger. Jim McCormick
Roger and I worked together in the ISU Memorial Union;interacting with him brightened every day. Roger was always engaged and engaging, a friend to everyone, absolutely generous with his time and attention.
Roger, you added to my life and that of many others. It is true to state that you are a poster boy for a life well lived.
My heartfelt condolences to all who love you and will miss you.
You have our deepest sympathies for your loss. Roger was great to all of us neighbor kids growing up, and I have fond memories of those times. My mom and I will eating at House of Chen in his memory next week since he was the one who introduced us. He was such as inspiration for my husband and I when my husband was fighting his cancer battle, and his kind words and silly jokes were appreciated more that we can say. May your memories bring you comfort and peace.
My condolences to Pam and Family. You will be in my prayers.
To Pam and Jenny. Charlie and I send our most heartfelt sympathy to you and your family for your profound loss...husband, father, grandpa. We have many memories of our neighborhood years in Ames. I sneak a peak once in a while at Jenny's Facebook (through Kathy's FB)just to keep in touch. Our prayers are coming your way.
Our deep condolences to the family. A classy guy and a classy family! Have known Roger & Pam and their families since they were back in h.s. in Algona! Later, Jenny & Ben classmates of our daughter Anne. Ben was an auditor for us at AOS!
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Ames, IA 50010
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Ames, IA 50010
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