Rodger Lee Stutterheim, 74, of Almena, Kansas passed away Wednesday, November 29, 2017 at University of Nebraska Medical Center, in Omaha, Nebraska. He was born on April 2, 1943 in Norton, Kansas to John and Hazel (Brunson) Stutterheim. He graduated High School at Prairie View and went on to achieve an Associates Degree in Electronics in Denver, Colorado. Rodger spent 1 year in Denver, before coming back to the farm in Prairie View.

In 1962, Rodger and Shirley (DeBoer) were wed at Prairie View Reformed Church. They then purchased a farm west of Almena-near Calvert in 1968 where they began their family. Rodger farmed and raised cattle with his dad until 1981 when Rodger pursued doing so on his own. He established a successful trucking business that ran from 1988 to 2000, which ended due to health issues. Rodger continued to farm and raise cattle until his death.

Rodger enjoyed farming, spending hours on whatever machinery was available. He also enjoyed raising his cattle herd. His life was surrounded by sporting events and you would often find Rodger hunting, fishing, or at a ballgame of some sort. There was rarely a day that he did not have the TV or radio tuned to a ballgame. His favorites included KC Royals/Chiefs, KU, KSU, Northern Valley or any event his granddaughters were participating in. His family was the greatest joy and passion of his life. He was often times seen at his children and granddaughter's activities. Rodger lived life one day at a time with a positive attitude while enduring many challenges with his health.

Through his life, Rodger loved his family and stayed strong in his faith. He was respected by many and he will be missed greatly.
Survivors include his loving wife, Shirley of Almena, three children; Mark and his wife Kellie of Eustis, Ne., Rex and his wife Kristi of Hutchison, KS; Regina Beikman and husband Gary of Norton. 5 Granddaughters, Huntyr Stutterheim, Eryn & Kara Stutterheim, Lilly & LeAnne Beikman. Sisters, Becky Smith Norton, KS; Belinda Bauer (Tom) of Almena, KS; Cindy Woelk (Linley) of Marion, IA and many other relatives and loved ones.

He is preceded in death by his parents and Brother Spencer Stutterheim.

Funeral services will be held Monday, December 4, 2017 at 1:30 p.m. in the Norton Christian Church, Norton, KS, with Pastor Larry Lyles officiating. Burial will follow in the Prairie View Cemetery, Prairie View, KS.

Visitation will be Saturday & Sunday, December 2 and 3, from noon – 9 p.m. at the Olliff-Boeve Memorial Chapel, Phillipsburg, KS, with the family greeting friends Sunday afternoon from 3 p.m.-5 p.m.

Memorial contributions may be given to the Almena Fire Department.