Roger Jay Winzeler, age 79, of Nixa, Missouri, died Monday, January 22, 2018, at his home.
Roger was born July 8, 1938 in Hilltop, Kansas, the son of Elmer and Jean (James) Winzeler.
He is survived by two brothers, James Winzeler of East Peoria, Il; daughter, Stephanie Wiley and her husband Nathan, along with two children, Trevor and Samuel of Indianapolis, In, and son Loren and wife Kim and children Evan and Caitlin: Stephen Winzeler of Nixa, Mo, wife Sharon, and two sons Michael and his wife Arianna along with two children, Kalli and Makayla of Nixa, Missouri, and Daniel and his wife Ashley, and two children, Cohen and Adalyn, Springdale, Ar.
He was preceded in death by his parents, sister-in-law Martha Winzeler, step-mother Lena (Grant) Winzeler and step-brother John Grant. He grew up on a farm near Hilltop, Ks and graduated from Lamont Grade and High School. During his first year in grade school he attended District 69 a one room school for all eight grades in Hilltop, Ks.
He graduated from Emporia State (Emporia, Ks) in 1962 with a Master's of Science Degree in Education and started teaching in Parsons, Ks. He continued his teaching career in the Armed Forces schools starting at Subic-Bay-in-Philippines, then Germany, and on an airbase in England. Roger traveled extensively while overseas between school terms. When the airbase in England closed he was offered early retirement and made his home in Nixa, Mo.
During his retirement he maintained an elaborate flower garden, grinder wheel & rock garden and grew tomatoes. He also took care of his Dad's & Lena's yard and flowers.
Roger enjoyed going to auctions looking for antiques and rebuilding vintage gas pumps.
A graveside funeral will be held at 11:00 am, Friday, 26th January 2018 at Jones-Chastain Cemetery just south of Nixa. Arrangements are under the direction of Adams Funeral Home in Nixa.�
Memorials may be made to Jones-Chastain Cemetery.