Roger Speedling

ROGER SPEEDLING

Cedar Rapids

Roger Leland Speedling, 85, passed away at the Meth-Wick Community on Saturday, Sept. 1, 2018, from acute heart and kidney failure. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, Sept. 8, 2018, at 11 a.m. at the Cedar Memorial Chapel of Memories.

Roger was born Oct. 1, 1932, to Leland and Violet (Virchow) Speedling in Nashua, Iowa. Roger graduated from McKinley High School in Cedar Rapids in 1950 and attended the University of Iowa for three years. He joined the Army in 1953 and attained the rank of corporal by the time of his discharge in 1955.

Roger married his former high school classmate and love of his life, Betty Schmidt Mandtler, on Aug. 8, 1964, in Cedar Rapids. He adopted Betty's daughter, Devonee, in 1967. Roger worked as a manufacturer's representative for Dearborn Brass, eventually establishing his own business, Speedling Sales Inc. Roger retired at age 63 but soon took a "retirement job" driving a tour bus for Tri-State and then Cedar Valley for 17 years.

Roger's second love after Betty was flying. He was a private pilot and often flew charters for Wathan Flying Service on weekends. Roger was a Mason and member of the El Kahir Shrine.

Roger is survived by his daughter, Devonee Speedling McDonald; and his son-in-law, Fritz McDonald. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Betty; and his parents.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Roger's memory to the Shrine Children's Hospital in Minneapolis, Minn., the Cedar Rapids branch of the Salvation Army or the Cedar Valley Bible Church in Cedar Rapids.