Roger Burse Picken, aged 89, passed away peacefully on November 3, 2024, at Sunnyview Care Center in Ankeny, Iowa. Born on October 2, 1935, in Fairfield, Iowa. Roger was a lifelong resident of Iowa and Oregon, and a proud alum of the University of Iowa. Roger honorably served in the U.S. Army.
He is survived by his loving wife, Susanna; son Jeff Picken and his wife Gaynel; stepdaughter Carlene Crosby and her husband Darrin. Roger was a proud grandfather to Jessica, Cassandra, Zachary and Devin, and a great-grandfather to Thayer, Liam, Jeremiah, and Allie. He also leaves behind his nieces, Martha Voruz-great niece Cayley Voruz, Lisa Buchanan, nephew Sam Picken and wife Jaquie, great nieces Samantha Picken, Jenni Picken (Nate)Alsdorf, great-great nephew Jackson, and great nephew Connor Picken, sister-in- law Mary Braniff (Dee).
Roger was preceded in death by his parents-Raymond and Naoma Picken: his first wife Joyce Ann Campbell Picken, brothers Don and Bill Picken.
Roger’s journey through life was marked by a quiet dedication to his family and the principles he lived by. His absence will be deeply felt by his family, friends and all who knew him. I DID IT MY WAY!!!!! Roger was a successful business owner in his hometown of Fairfield, Iowa for 40 years-Picken’s Tire and Appliance, which he took over from his father who started the business in 1929. He then moved to Oregon with Joyce, his wife of 32 years and retired there. Joyce passed away from cancer in 1992. Roger met Susanna a couple of years later and were happily married 30 years until his passing. Roger and Susanna moved to Urbandale, Iowa in 2016 to be close to son Jeff and his wife Gaynel. Roger had an incredible sense of humor, which everyone around him always enjoyed, whether it was family, friends, customers, Doctors, and nurses. We all loved to laugh and smile with him. He was also a great amateur poet and would write funny poems for birthdays and anniversaries. He was a huge Iowa Hawkeye fan and never missed a football or basketball game. He attended 5 Hawkeye bowl games, including 3 Rose Bowls. He also loved music and was a huge fan of Frank Sinatra and Tony Bennett, among others. He also enjoyed a good party and a few libations with friends and family throughout his life.
Rest in Peace Roger Picken. We all will miss you, but you are in a better place now with family and friends that you have lost over the years.
