Roger John Jackson

Roger John Jackson

Cedar Rapids

Roger John Jackson, 74, formerly of Cedar Rapids, passed away at Alden Estates Court in Huntley, Illinois on Saturday, May 4, 2024.

Roger John Jackson was born April 23, 1950, in Cedar Rapids, to Bert Sutton and Irma Bernice (Havlicek) Jackson. Roger grew up in Cedar Rapids, and attended Thomas Jefferson High School, leaving to join the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam conflict where he served aboard the USS Aspro in the Pacific. He completed his GED after his service ended.

He married Rhonda Van Bogart on August 12, 1971, at the Little Brown Church in Nashua. They had 3 children: Stacie, Jennifer, and Curt.

Roger volunteered for the YMCA coaching sports while his kids were young and spent many years as a railcar inspector for CRANDIC Railroad, until a bicycle accident in July of 1997 resulted in a traumatic brain injury. Unfortunately, his injuries forced him into early

retirement and created lifelong health issues. Roger and Rhonda divorced in 1999.

Roger enjoyed biking, watching bull riding and drag racing, eating, visits from his kids and grandkids, and a good joke.

Roger is survived by his children: Stacie (Julio Zuleta) Jackson of Lake in the Hills, IL; Jennifer (Matt) Powelka of Fort Collins, CO; and Curt (Tasha) Jackson of West Des Moines, IA; grandchildren Samuel and Lucas Zuleta, Jackson and Quinton Powelka, and Ivy Adix; a sister, Linda Petersen, of Cedar Rapids along with her son, Brad Jackson; an uncle, Alan Havlicek, of Cedar Rapids; and several cousins.

09He was preceded in death by his parents; brother-in-law, Chauncey (Pete) Petersen; and an uncle, David Havlicek.

Visitation will be from 4-7 p.m. Tuesday, June 4th, at Brosh Chapel and The Avacentre in Cedar Rapids, 2121 Bowling St. SW, with Celebration of Life services at Brosh Chapel on Wednesday, June 5th at 10 a.m. Burial will follow at Czech National Cemetery.

Memorials may be directed to the family.

Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.broshchapel.com