Roger Lee Sarver was born on March 6, 1937, in Mahaska County, Iowa to Merrill and Lydia Ann (Winegardner) Sarver. He was the sixth of the eighteen children they welcomed into their uniquely numerous family. His older siblings were Bertie, Betty, Joyce, Wally, and Larry, and he was followed by Dan, Ed, Marsha, Connie, Carroll, Steve, Nancy, Tim, and Curt including Lonnie, David, and Phillip who died in infancy or early childhood.
Coming from a large family was a formative part of Roger’s life, and he worked to maintain a relationship with his siblings for all of his earthly years.
Roger graduated from Oskaloosa High School in 1955. On October 4, 1959, he was united in marriage with the love of his life, Barbara Jean Anderson at the Presbyterian Church of Oskaloosa. Roger worked various jobs over the years, starting as a stock boy at the grocery store at the age of fourteen. After serving in several different positions, he worked his way to store manager at the United Food Market later bought by SuperValue, with his grocery career spanning more than 25 years.
He finished his career at the United States Postal Service, working as a rural mail carrier before retiring in 2000.
As much pride and fulfillment as he found in his work, it was nothing compared to the family he and Barb built and raised at her childhood home in Oskaloosa.
Their four beloved children are Paula Jean, Rodney Lee, Ann Marie, and Jason Corey. Their family continued to grow through their children and their spouses and over time they welcomed thirteen grandchildren and eight great grandchildren.
Roger had a variety of hobbies and interests that kept him active. He was an avid golfer, passing his love for golf onto his children and several grandchildren.
He enjoyed both open water fishing and ice fishing, something he did with family and friends alike. He was a dedicated gardener, producing a gorgeous summer bounty every year that he and Barb would enjoy, share, and preserve. He spent many Saturday mornings up atthe Oskaloosa Service Center, visiting over a cup of coffee with friends and fellow patrons.
He and Barb also found great joy in keeping up with their grandkids’ many activities and sporting events, with baseball and softball being particular favorites.
Roger is remembered by many for joking around and making people laugh, never leaving home without his sharp sense of humor. Roger was meticulous, resourceful, and steadfast–taking care of the things entrusted to him and the people that he loved with great diligence, love, and generosity.
On March 8, 2025, Roger left this earthly existence and was welcomed into the presence of God. Left behind to cherish and honor his memory are Barb, his devoted wife and best friend of 65 years, their four children and their families: Paula (Cline) & John Rasmussen, Caleb Cline & fiancée Kelsey Cohoon, Ruth & Nick Flynn with baby girl on the way; Rod & Shelly (Terpstra) Sarver, Bailey Sarver Attema & Peter Attema and daughter Celeste, Regan & Dustin Katje and daughters Sloane & Camille and baby boy on the way, India & Corey Van Kooten and children Niko, Wilder, & Winselt, MacGuire & Sarah Sarver and daughter Posie, and Emerson Sarver; Annie & Rick Lowry, Spencer & Lauren Lowry and son Atticus, Parker Lowry, Olivia Lowry & Clay Billheimer, Chandler Lowry & Gracie May; Jay & Amy (Saville) Sarver, Seth Sarver &fiancée Kaylee Linder, and Sydney Sarver & Hunter Gerths. He was preceded in deathby his parents, nine siblings, and son-in-law Scott Cline.
Funeral services will be held Thursday, March 13, 2025, at 10:30 a.m. in the Bates Funeral Chapel in Oskaloosa, Iowa with Pastor Tom Palmer officiating. Burial will be in the Forest Cemetery in Oskaloosa. Visitation will begin on Wednesday, March 12, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. in the Bates Funeral
Chapel and the family will be at the funeral chapel from 5:00-7:00 p.m. to greet friends and relatives.
Memorials may be made to the family. The Bates Funeral Chapel is in charge of arrangements.
