Roger W. Jerney passed away peacefully in his sleep after a courageous year-long battle with Melanoma cancer.
Roger was born on December 6, 1950, to Kenneth and Anna Jerney (Toich) in the Marshall Islands (Kwajalein). At a young age the family moved to Alpine, California, where Roger attended elementary and high school. At the very young age of 12, Roger began working at McCall’s Ranch in Alpine, California, where he served as a helping hand on the ranch for troubled youth. When he was 19, Roger joined the United States Air Force (July 16, 1970) as an Airman. He quickly advanced through the ranks to Senior Master Sergeant before earning a commission as a Second Lieutenant in 1985. Roger retired as a Major on August 1, 1998, in Colorado Springs. He began a second 15-year career at the U.S. Postal Service in Colorado Springs until retirement in May 2016.
In 2005 Roger met the love of his life, Jan Whitney, and they were married on October 25, 2014. Roger’s love for travel took them to Hawaii, Switzerland, Amsterdam, and Italy and they frequented Arizona where they purchased a winter home. His other passion was riding his motorcycle, “Bluebell,” (named after his mother’s favorite flower) throughout Colorado, a place he called home and loved.
He is survived by his loving wife, Jan (Whitney); two brothers, Calvin R. Jerney, and Charles A. Jerney (June); a step-daughter, Shauna Sandage (Andy); nephews, Michael A. Jerney (Wyoming) and John A. Jerney (Georgia); niece, Emily S. Hamilton (Texas); and cousins, David Fudurich, and Boris Fudurich, both of Canada. Roger will be sorely missed by his dog, Riley.
A memorial service will be held 10:00 a.m. Monday, October 30, 2017 at Shrine of Remembrance “America the Beautiful” Chapel, 1730 East Fountain Boulevard, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80910. A reception will follow the service at 12:00 p.m. at Salute Bar and Grill, 4767 North Carefree Circle, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80917.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Roger’s favorite charity: Advocates for Children (CASA), adv4children.org (10855 East Bethany Drive, Aurora, Colorado 80014).