Florea, Roger L. 1946-2024 Hopkins, Mo.
By NewsPress Now
HOPKINS, Mo. – Roger L. Florea, 78, of Hopkins, Missouri, passed away on Dec. 17, 2024, at home in Hopkins. His 78 years of life were dedicated to service and family.
Roger was born in 1946 to Orlin and Margaret (King) Florea, of Hopkins. After starting his elementary school education in a one room schoolhouse, Roger graduated from North Nodaway R-VI High School in 1964. He was drafted into the military and served in Vietnam. As a Sergeant in the U.S. Army, Roger served his country from 1967 to 1969 and received a Purple Heart. His time in the service made a lasting impact on his life. Upon returning home, he obtained a business degree from Northwest Missouri State University, Maryville, Missouri, in 1972.
On St. Patrick’s Day in 1969, Roger married the love of his life, Susan L. Motsinger, and they shared 55 wonderful years together. They started their married life in Colorado Springs, Colorado, while he finished his military service at Fort Carson, then moved back to Hopkins. Roger and Sue maintained a small business as self-employed tax practitioners while he worked several other jobs, including employment with Peve Feed and Fertilizer, custom combining with friend Kirby Bovard, a self-employed spraying service, and as a seed corn dealer for Dekalb/Pfizer. The farm crisis in the ’80s led Roger to put his business degree to work at Bank Midwest, N.A. where he served as a Vice President for 23 years before retiring.
Roger continued his life of service as a member of the Glen Ulmer American Legion Post 288 where he served in many leadership roles. He was also a member of the United Methodist Church, Maryville VFW Post 442, and Elks Lodge 760. He coached American Legion Baseball and supported the North Nodaway Mustangs as President of the Booster Club.
He was instrumental in raising funds and upgrading the much-needed lighting system with friend Tillie Porterfield in 1982 and built the concession stand in 1983 at the Hopkins city park. Roger saw needs in his community and worked to make a difference. He served on the Hopkins Community Club board for many years which provided community events, such as the Hopkins Picnic and monthly community dinners. He was elected multiple times to the North Nodaway R-VI School Board, Hopkins City Council, and Hopkins Township Board.
Roger and Sue raised three children, Brian (Tricia), of Topeka, Kansas, Denise (Clint) Rowen, of Sheridan, Missouri, and Keith (Amanda), of Kansas City, Missouri. Roger enjoyed camping with friends and family and spent many years going to the Starvy Creek Bluegrass Festival, the Old Threshers Reunion in Mt. Pleasant, Iowa, and spending Father’s Day at Nine Eagles State Park. Roger enjoyed playing the guitar, listening to Bluegrass music, and doing crossword puzzles.
Roger is survived by his wife; three children; and eight grandchildren, including Mitchell (Maddie) Florea, of Lenexa, Kansas, Lauren Florea, of Lawrence, Kansas, Garrett Florea, of Topeka, Alex, Gabriella and Abigail Rowen, of Sheridan, Missouri, Owen and Santiago Florea, of Kansas City, Missouri; sister, Paula (Mehmet) Unsal, of Teaneck, New Jersey; sisters-in-law, Vera Florea, of Bolivar, Missouri, and Linda Cross, of Maryville.
He was preceded in death by parents, Orlin and Margaret Florea; brothers, Wayne and Larry; and sister, Janelle.
A visitation will be held on Dec. 22, 2024, from 6 to 7 p.m. and services will be held on Dec. 23, 2024, at 10 a.m. at Wray Memorial United Methodist Church, 103 S 4th St., Hopkins.
Services are under the direction of the Bram Funeral Home, Maryville.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Glen Ulmer American Legion Post 288, P.O. Box 235, Hopkins, MO 64461. As published in the St. Joseph News-Press.
