Stevenson & Sons Funeral Homes

Serving families in the Miles City, Forsyth, Lame Deer, Broadus, Circle, Jordan and Terry areas for three generations.

For Immediate Help Call
Miles City: 406-232-4457 — Forsyth: 406-346-2311

In Memory Of

Karl Rogge, age 65, of Miles City

March 14, 1951 – September 14, 2016

Karl Bruce Rogge – loving husband, devoted father, doting grandpa, and diehard Montana Grizzlies fan – passed away on September 14, 2016, at St. Vincent Healthcare in Billings, MT, surrounded by his family – it was a beautiful fall football weather kind of day.

Karl was born March 14, 1951, at Holy Rosary Hospital in Miles City, the son of Otto and Martha (Newman) Rogge. He attended grade school in Miles City, and graduated from Custer County High School in 1969.

After graduation, he attended The University of Montana in Missoula. He spent a year at Miles Community College from 1971-1972, earning his associate’s degree. He returned to Missoula the following year, ultimately earning a bachelor’s degree in Business/Accounting. He met Pamela Kay Holmes in August of 1974, and three weeks after their first date they were engaged. They were married on June 27, 1975, in Miles City. Their daughter Erin Elizabeth was born in 1981.

Upon graduation from The University of Montana in December of 1974, he joined the firm of Rowland, Thomas & Company January 1, 1975, fulfilling his dream of becoming an accountant. He became a partner in the firm in 1982 and continued in that capacity until September of 2015 when he and Doug Benge sold their interest in Rowland, Thomas & Company to the Avitus Group. Karl officially retired on August 21, 2016. He was a dedicated professional, always assuring his clients were taken care of, and he cherished the many friendships made during that time.

In his youth, Karl was primarily involved in two sports: softball and bowling. His mother, Martha, coached women’s softball in Miles City and was instrumental in starting a little girls’ softball program, with the first field lights installed at Bender Park dedicated as the “Rogge Lights”. Karl and his father, Otto, assisted in whatever way that was needed and he had many fond memories of those times and could still tell you who played what position on the Miles City Women’s Coca-Cola team! He played softball himself for many years and confused many opponents with his “bat right-handed, pitch left-handed” manner. He became interested in bowling at a young age, keeping score (yes, it was done manually) at the bowling alley while his mother was working in the Kegler’s Club. He continued his involvement in bowling while attending college in Missoula and was a member of the intercollegiate traveling bowling team there. He made many good friends over the years while bowling league and attending bowling tournaments across the state. He missed the sport greatly when mobility issues forced him to quit bowling, but still accompanied Pam to the bowling alley when she was participating.

As a spectator, he loved watching most sports, primarily more high school and collegiate than professional, and you were sure to find a NASCAR race on at the Rogge household television most weekends. He was loud and vocal as a spectator, often disagreeing with the official’s calls, but that voice was never raised at home to family members. The Montana Grizzlies were a passion, and Pam and Karl were football season ticket holders since 1995.

He was a member of the Alpha Tau Omega fraternity while attending college and was also active in Circle K, serving as a state officer in the organization. He continued with involvement in the local Kiwanis Club for several years after returning to Miles City. He was a member of the Montana Society of CPAs, University of Montana Alumni Association, Grizzly Scholarship Association, and the Miles City Town and Country Club. He was an active member of the First United Methodist Church. He was especially proud of his involvement as a founding member of the Custer County Educational Foundation, and of his time served on the University of Montana Alumni Association Board of Directors. He was equally proud of his daughter Erin’s involvement on the same boards.

Karl worked hard at his profession and was proud of his work, and while he may not have been able to live out his retirement dreams, he never put work ahead of his family. He never missed a softball game, piano recital or band concert of Erin’s. His family enjoyed frequent vacations on the Oregon Coast and the Black Hills. He and Pam made frequent trips to Missoula while Erin was a student there – sometimes under the guise of attending a football game, but he never missed the opportunity to treat Erin and friends to dinner. His “74GRIZ” license plates were a familiar site on I-90 during the football season, and there were some seasons when Karl and Pam never missed a home game. One special highlight was attending the 2001 Grizzly Football National Championship game in Chattanooga, TN, with Pam and Erin.

Karl was preceded in death by his parents, Martha (Newman) Rogge and Otto Rogge, and by his brother Duaine Van Dyke.

Karl is survived by his loving wife of 41 years, Pamela (Pam) Holmes Rogge; his daughter Erin Niedge, son-in-law Tyler Niedge, and granddaughter Halladay Niedge of Miles City; nephews Eric Van Dyke of Prineville, OR, and Jessie Van Dyke of Sacramento, CA, uncle Robert Newman and wife Charlotte of Post Falls, ID, and aunt Linda Rogge of Broadus, many cousins, and numerous friends that Karl, Pam, and Erin counted as family.

Cremation has taken place, and the family will receive friends Thursday, September 22, 2016, from 4:00-6:00 p.m. at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held on Friday, September 23, 2016, at 11:00 a.m. at the First United Methodist Church. Interment will follow in the Custer County Cemetery, with a luncheon to follow at the Miles City Town & Country Club. Those attending services are encouraged to wear UM Grizzly school colors.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Custer County Educational Foundation, P.O. Box 1092, Miles City, MT 59301 or online at www.ccedufoundation.org for a scholarship in Karl’s memory, or to the charity of your choice.

Service Schedule

Family to Receive Friends

4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Thursday September 22, 2016

Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home

1717 Main Street

Miles City, Montana 59301

View map

Funeral Service

11:00 a.m.

Friday September 23, 2016

First United Methodist Church

24 N. 11th Street

Miles City, Montana 59301

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Service Schedule

Family to Receive Friends

4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Thursday September 22, 2016

Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home

1717 Main Street

Miles City, Montana 59301

View map

Funeral Service

11:00 a.m.

Friday September 23, 2016

First United Methodist Church

24 N. 11th Street

Miles City, Montana 59301

View map

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Memories

Read the thoughts and memories, then feel free to add your own.

  1. Karl will be missed by many. I enjoyed our visits when he did my taxes and always had a smile and was a genuine thoughtful person. Sharon Cope

  2. This is such a sad, shocking, and devastating loss. My deepest condolences go to the Rogge family!

  3. Pam, Erin and family:
    So sorry to hear that Karl has passed away. He will be greatly missed by all that knew him. He was a very nice man and it was a pleasure to know him. Cherish all you wonderful memories.

  4. to all who knew Karl, the world will miss the positive and fun he stood for. Karl is just unforgettable…. to his family and friend, my thoughts are with you. The old Mayor.

  5. Pam and Erin:
    I cannot express how sad I am for you. Karl was a cherished friend and Griz fan. You will be in my prayers and please, if you need me or if there is anything I can do for you, please let me know.

  6. Pam and Erin and family,

    I am so sorry for your loss. Karl will be missed by all and has been a great asset to this community. Hugs and prayers are with you,

    Denise and Jay Harvey

  7. Erin and family-
    I’m sorry to learn of your dad’s passing. You and your family will be in my thoughts and prayers.

  10. Pam and Family So sorry to hear of Karls passing. He will be missed deeply by all of you and the Griz Foot ball Nation. Your in our thought and Prayers God Bless you all. Call me Pam if you need anything, Im over to dads house quite often.

  11. Pam, this is such a shock seeing the paper tonite! Really got to know Karl more when working with him on our reunions. So sorry for your loss.

  13. Pam, Erin, and Family-
    So sorry to hear of Karl’s passing. Thinking of you all during this difficult time. Grizzlies gained another angel in heaven. Sending prayers for comfort.

  14. Dear Pam, Erin & family, We enjoyed our friendship with Karl and will miss seeing him. We are so sorry for your loss and are here for you if there is anything we can do. God Bless.
    Jim & Mary Ann

  15. Pam, Erin, and family,

    We were so sad to hear of Karl’s death. We will miss him at the Griz games, and always will think of him when they’re playing. Our deepest sympathy.

    Steve, Jan, and family

  16. Pam and Family,
    I was so hoping and praying that he could beat this and return home. I will miss him. Our professional community will be a little less bright without him. Mary Partridge

  17. Erin,Pam, and family,
    I’m sorry to hear of Karl’s passing. I always remembered him with a smile on his face and friendly hello in passing. He will be missed

  18. Pam, Erin and family, So sorry to hear of your loss. We’re thinking of you at your time of sorrow.

  19. Pam, Erin and family,
    Hugs to you! I’m so very sorry for your loss. Karl was one heck of a guy and I always enjoyed visiting with him. Please know I’ll be thinking of you all as each new day arrives. Your in my thoughts and prayers❤️

  20. Pam, Erin and family-
    I am so sad to hear of Karl’s death. He was a very giving man and he will be truly missed by all. My deepest sympathy.

    Dana Stern

  21. We were so sorry to hear about Karl. He worked so hard for so many people. We loved our visits with him and keeping up with the Griz. He was a special man and will be missed by so many throughout Eastern Montana. Our thoughts and prayers are with you for comfort and peace.

  24. Pam, I am sorry for the loss you and yours have suffered. Karl and I shared a wonderful history during our high school and college years, and I will always consider Karl a good friend. My life was enriched by Karl’s intelligence, his amiability, and his eagerness to share a good laugh.

    Our thoughts are with you.
    – Gary Coffrin and Deborah St. Julien

  25. Karl was my “go to” guy for 23 years working with him – I’ll miss him a lot. So sorry to hear. My prayers are with you, Pam, and your family.

  26. Dear Pam &family,
    I’m so sad to hear of Karl’s passing. My thoughts are with you at this sad time.
    Big hugs

  27. Pam and Family,
    We are so sorry to hear of Karl’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.

  28. Pam and family,
    There are no words to help ease your pain right now. I am sure he is playing Pinochle with Ida Mae and Dale right now! God Bless and guide you through this terrible time.
    We love you!

  29. Pam and Erin. So sorry for your loss. Through the miles from Minnesota to Miles City Montana. The Holmes family sends thoughts and prayers. Please keep in touch.

  30. I have known and enjoyed Karl my whole life. The world will be a bitter dimmer and less joyous without him. Hè will be missed!! Praying for you and Erin, that you will find comfort in your good memories and your knowledge that Karl loved you dearly.

  31. Dear Pam and family, So sorry to read of your loss. What a nice man. Our thoughts and prayers are with you now and for much time to come.

  32. Pam, Erin and family, May God wrap his arms around you all! Our thoughts are with at this time if loss, remember all the good times.

  33. Pam and Erin and family
    I am so sorry to hear of Karl’s passing. It was a shock. We were hoping that we might see you at a game or during a visit this fall. His spot will be empty now but we will never forget.

  34. Pam, Erin and family – We are thinking of you and praying for strength for all of you to get through the loss of Karl. We have many wonderful memories of our Miles City days and the good times we had with all of you. Karl will be fondly remembered and will be missed! He was a great guy and a wonderful friend! Hugs to you all!

  35. Pam, Erin and family, We are so sorry to hear Karl’s passing. Having grown up with Karl living across the alley, being his roommate at U of M a couple of year, and having him as my Best Man, my only regret is that I did not get back to Mile City to visit on a more frequent basis. But every time I would be able to visit, it was like we never missed a day being apart. Karl will be truly missed.
    Our thoughts and prayers are with you……
    Bob and Emily Richardson

  36. Dear Pam and family,

    Thinking of you in your time of loss and sorrow. Prayers for strength and understanding.
    Jan Johnson

  37. Pam, Erin, and family. We are so sorry for your loss and pray that God will wrap his arms around you all and for His strength through out your grief. Just know that I hold you in my thoughts and prayers.

  39. So sorry for your loss. I always looked forward to Karl coming to the Pioneer Garage during tax time – he was a great guy to work with. May your good memories of him comfort you all at this difficult time.

  40. So sorry to hear of Karl’s passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you now and in the days to come.

  41. To all of Karl’s family, we were so saddened to hear of Karl’s passing. May your many fond and loving memories carry you through this difficult time. God bless all of you.

  42. Dear Pam…. words convey so little when hearts feel so much….. I will be keeping you and your family in my thoughts and prayers during these next stressful and sad days… hugs…..

  43. I am really sorry to see my classmate Karl’s passing, he was always a happy man, may God Bless you all!!

  44. Pam. So sad to see Karl passed on..he was always full of good cheer just like you and will be missed. Class of 69 still rules

  47. My relationship with Karl was exclusively professional and I loved the positive attitude he displayed every time I felt lost and anxious. He would simply take care of it. Wondered what he meant in his retirement letter about health issues, but had not arranged to ask. His being gone feels like a major loss to me and also to the community. What a great welcoming smile he always seemed to have! Can see it in my mind now and so a great person to have stored in memory. Thanks for sharing him.

  48. Pam, Erin and family,
    Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Karl was always so kind and thoughtful and will be truly missed.
    AnneMarie and Neil Wallette

  51. Pam, Erin and family,
    So sorry to hear of Karl’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.

  52. So very sorry to just learn of your loss. Karl was such a super accountant & more important, a very thoughtful guy. We appreciated Karl a lot….even call me on his ‘off’ days to let me know of something on my taxes! Of, course it was not a day off for him.! Will be so missed. Our prayers to you all, Diana & Floyd

  55. Pam and Erin we are so sorry for your loss. We are keeping you all close in our thoughts and prayers.

  57. Pam and family,

    So sorry for your loss. He was a good man. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Connie

  58. Pam & Erin;
    So sorry to hear of your loss. Our thoughts & prayers are with you. Karl was a wonderful man. He will be missed by many. Rayetta fjell

  59. Rogge Family…
    Sorry For your loss. Thoughts and prayers to you. God Bless you in this tough time. Take care of each other.
    Coach Tait

  60. Dear Pam and Erin,
    Such a wonderful guy Karl was! He loved you all so much and made sure you knew it! His devotion to his family and everything else he touched was incredible. Thinking of you, Karen Lundgren

  62. Pam & Erin

    Karl was true professional and a fine CPA. And GRIZ Nation has lost one of its most ardent supporters. Please accept my deepest sympathy.

  63. I am so saddened. I was one of the Coca-Cola girls. The Rogge family treated us all like family. They planned their vacations around state tournaments. Karl has been a friend and accountant and just a go to guy forever. I will really miss my friend. Pat and I will keep you all in our prayers.

  64. Our thoughts go to the family – indeed a loss to our fan base but a greater loss to his family who loved to come to games with him. Go Griz, Mr. Rogge!

  65. Pam so very sorry to hear of your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Karl was always so nice to me and my parents thought the world of him.

  66. Pam and Erin:
    So sorry for the loss of Karl. He was such a joyful person. I cant remember a time that Karl was around that wasn’t made better by his presence. He will be missed.

  67. Dearest Pam I am so very shocked and saddened to hear this news. We had so many fun times back in the old bowling days. Karl was such a genuinely nice guy and the two of you such a loving couple. My heartfelt prayers to you and Erin and the rest of your family.

  68. I was at the Airport Inn with Deb the day you met him. So sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family.
    Carmen, Danielle, Beau, and Tim Burdett

  69. I am so sorry for your loss. I was in the class of ’69 and have fond memories of Karl. It sounds like he lived a full live and acquired many friends along the way I’m sure he will be missed by many

  70. It was with great sadness that I learned of Karl’s passing. We will all miss that big, friendly smile, and hearty laugh. He was a fixture at so many events associated with the University of Montana, and was always willing to lend a helping hand. Pam and Erin, you are all in our thoughts and prayers.

  71. My sympathy and prayers to all Karl’s family. It was my privilege to have known Karl as an Alpha Tau Omega fraternity brother, a passionate fellow Griz and as a friend. It was always a delight to run into Karl and Pam at Griz games-especially homecoming. I will forever treasure our times at the U together and all those chance meetings. He enriched each and every life of all that knew him.

  72. Oh my, Pam and Erin! I am so sad to hear about Karl. He was such a devoted family man; and a protective father! Loved the reaction when Erin got a pink slip for wearing a Griz sweatshirt to school. I believe that’s where our fight began! ? Karl was one of the nicest people I’ve ever had the opportunity to know. How I wish I could make this less of a loss for you, but I can’t. You’ll have the best and most lasting memories of him, but know that there are others who won’t forget him, either. He was that wonderful of a man! ((((Hugs))))

  73. Karl was a very bright, hardworking, and kind person. We were fortunate to be able to see him a year ago at all 60’s high school reunion. He will be greatly missed. May his memory be a blessing to the family.

    Our deepest sympathy,

    Mike and Peggy Wohlgenant

  74. So sorry for your loss. Karl was a very sweet man and we always enjoyed talking to him when we lived across the street on strevell. God bless you Pam and all of your family. Sandi ( Holter) Updyke

  75. Pam and family. So very sorry for your loss. Karl was a great guy. Your memories will always keep him close

  76. Pam & Erin:
    Our thoughts and prayers are with you over the loss of Karl. Our remembrances include our time together as ATO fraternity brothers playing softball and bowling and then meeting you again through work and university activities. We will miss our chance to see him at UM Homecoming activities.

  78. Dear Pam and Erin,
    I just wanted to express my condolences for your loss of your husband and father. It truly makes a hole in your heart which nothing can fill. I didn’t know him but the fact that he married a great lady and raised another tells me he was a fine man. God Bless and comfort you. He will have the best seat in the house for his Griz games.

  79. Pam and Erin,
    Karl was a great guy and a great friend. I am truly sorry for your loss. You are in my prayers.

  80. My deepest condolences to all of Karl’s family & friends. Karl was always available to answer a tax question…he was very smart! As a fellow UM grad (MBA in 1995), I imagine Karl as a patron saint of everything Griz!

  83. Pam,
    I am so sorry for your loss. I knew Karl since Junior high days and we were always in math classes together throughout school. He was a very caring person. your family will be in my thoughts and prayers.
    Mimi Moreno Gallagher

  84. Pam & Erin, Nov 12, 2016.
    Not sure this will reach you but know we meant to do this after calling you back in September. Our thoughts and prayers were with you then on Karl’s passing. Family crisis intervened. Duaine and I were classmates but I felt close to the entire family. There were fun times and some with heartache and trauma. I could always have a deep discussion with mom Martha when the occasion called for it. Karl will be missed as he filled a deep void when Duaine died so unexpectedly. God bless all of you and know that Karl is missed and will be remembered fondly. Lionel & Sandy Archdale

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