Roger L. Boerkircher

Roger Lee Boerkircher passed away April 7, 2017 at his home in Cozad at the age of 86. Roger was born on the family farm northwest of Eustis, Nebraska, July 26, 1930, to Hugo and Maude (Dreher) Boerkircher. Roger graduated from Eustis High School with an Honor E in 1948. In 1950, Roger married Janice Hillis. The couple were blessed with a son, Brent. Roger was employed by Paul Kniss at Gambles in Gothenburg, Nebraska for twelve years. He always wanted his own business and in 1960 Roger and Jan purchased and operated Gambles in Cozad, Nebraska until that company closed in the early 1970's. Boerkircher's was established at that time and sold furniture, appliances and later, floor covering. In 1980, their son Brent took over the operation and Roger worked with him until 2004. At that time Roger worked as a security officer at Monroe Auto Plant in Cozad for six years, retiring on his birthday at 82 years. The Boerkirchers interest in horse racing began in the early 1970's. Their first foal was born in 1974. Through the years they have over 200 win pictures. A star, Comet Kat, won the Pioneer Stakes three years in a row at Aksarben in Omaha. Roger and Jan enjoyed several trips around the world awarded by various companies through sales. Hobbies included dancing, hunting, cards and working. Religion and the Cozad United Methodist Church were very important to him. Roger was a lifetime member and served on various boards through the years. He also served on the board of First Federal Savings and Loan, Grand Generation Center for twelve years, Cozad Housing Authority, Cozad Chamber of Commerce (Roger and Jan received the Distinguished Service Award in 2001) and was a charter member of the Cozad Elks Lodge #2250. Roger was a past member of Rotary, Lions and Eagles Clubs, bridge and pinochle clubs. He celebrated nearly 67 years of marriage and they lived every day to the fullest and enjoyed this life style. He was preceded in death by his parents. Survivors include his wife, Jan Boerkircher of Cozad; son Brent (Mary) Boerkircher of Maxwell; brother, Donald (Lore) Boerkircher of Eustis; sister, Benita Schmidt of Gothenburg; granddaughter, Kira (Taylor) King-Bertin of Houston, TX; great granddaughter, Collins; step-grandchildren, Holly McCance, Kelvin (Vicki Leighton) Heater, Heidi Schultz; step great grandchildren, Destani, Brooke (Martin), Brianna (Zachery), Jake, Kempton; and many other relatives, friends and church family. Memorials are suggested to Cozad United Methodist Church or Cozad Grand Generation Center. Online condolences may be shared at berrymanfuneralhome.com. Services will be Friday, April 14, 2017 at 10:30 a.m. at Cozad United Methodist Church with Pastor Doug Smith officiating. Burial will be at Cozad Cemetery. Visitation will be Thursday from 1 to 8 with family receiving friends from 6 to 8 at Berryman Funeral Home.