Roger V. Haverkamp

Roger V. Haverkamp, 86, of Kelly, Kansas passed away on Thursday, September 28, 2023.   Roger was born on January 17, 1937, the oldest son of Frank Henry Haverkamp II and Alma Bernadine (Niehues) Haverkamp on the family farm east of Kelly.  The family farm meant everything to Roger.  He was born and lived his entire life there, and he always prayed that he would be able to die on the farm.  His wish came true; Roger passed away peacefully in the same home where he was born surrounded by his family.

Roger attended Kelly High School and graduated in 1955. After graduation, Roger joined the Kansas Army National Guard and was a member for ten years from 1955 to 1966.  Roger was a dedicated farmer and cattleman who loved his work. Roger’s faithful companions through the years on the farm were his beloved dogs who accompanied him wherever he went. 

Roger had many other interests besides farming and cattle.  He enjoyed gardening and canning his own produce.  Roger also tried his hand at baking pies. Roger took great pride in having a well-manicured yard. His favorite hobby was hunting pheasant and quail with his brother, Kenny and his nephew, Kenny, Jr., and this brought him so much joy. A fun story about Roger is when he entered a contest hosted by a sewing machine company in Marysville. He had to write an essay about why he needed a new sewing machine. His essay stood out among the many women’s entries. As a single man, he stated that he needed a sewing machine to patch his clothes and after winning, he put it to good use.

Roger worked for the Nemaha County Soil Conservation Department during the summer months.  In 1964, he started working at the Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company Plant in Topeka, Kansas where he worked for 30 years before retiring in 1994.  In addition to these work commitments, Roger cared for and had a close relationship with his father, Frank, until his death. He also cared for his brother, Frankie, after he was injured in an automobile accident until his death earlier this year.

Roger married Joan E. (Miller) Manning on May 5, 1995, at the St. Bede’s Catholic Church in Kelly, and they shared 28 wonderful years of marriage.  Roger was a devoted and caring husband, stepfather, and step-grandfather.  In 1997, Roger and Joan purchased Picture This in Seneca, Kansas.  Roger enjoyed the custom framing part of the business.  After selling the business, they later opened The Miller’s Daughter Bakery in Seneca.  Roger was known for his sweet tooth and continued to enjoy sweets until recently when his health declined. His children and daughter-in-law always brought him special chocolates which he happily devoured quickly.

Roger was a lifelong member of St. Bede’s Catholic Church in Kelly, Kansas, and a member of the St. Joseph’s Society. 

Roger will be remembered for his soft-spoken voice, his witty personality, and as someone who enjoyed the simple things in life.  He will also be remembered for his dedication to his family and friends and being a truly selfless person who cared for others without asking or expecting anything in return. 

Roger was preceded in death by his parents; his infant brother, Dennis Haverkamp in 1955; his sister-in-law, Kathy Haverkamp, and his brother, Frances Haverkamp III on January 11, 2023.

Roger is survived by his wife, Joan at their home in Kelly; his two stepsons, Nick Manning of Rossville, Kansas and Phillipe (Erin) Manning of Holton, Kansas; his stepdaughter, Pamela Manning of Sabetha, Kansas; his step-grandchildren, Ella and Emmery Manning of Beloit, Kansas; his sister, Mary Alice (Donald) Uphaus of Seneca, Kansas; his brother, Kenneth Haverkamp of Leavenworth, Kansas; his many nieces and nephews as well as his great-nieces and great-nephews; and his extended family.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, October 3, 2023, at 9:30 a.m. at the St. Bede’s Catholic Church in Kelly, Kansas.  Visitation will be held on Monday, October 2, 2023, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Popkess Memorial Chapel in Seneca, Kansas.  A rosary will be prayed on Monday evening beginning at 7:00 p.m. at the chapel.  For those individuals unable to attend Roger’s services, he will lie in state on Monday, October 2, 2023, starting at 9:00 a.m. at the Popkess Memorial Chapel.  Interment will be made in the St. Bede’s Catholic Church Cemetery in Kelly.  Memorial contributions are suggested to the Kelly Heritage Fund, sent in care Popkess Memorial Chapel, 814 Castle Street, Seneca, Kansas 66538.