Roger Joseph Jerrick Obituary
Roger Joseph Jerrick, 72, passed away on Saturday, September 21, 2024, after a heroic battle with Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE) and Parkinson’s.Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 AM, Saturday, September 28, 2024 at St. Mary Catholic Church, Iowa City. A reception will be held from 11:30 AM to 1:30 PM at the Kinnick Stadium Press Box - McCord Club Lounge (Level 1). Parking is available behind the Press Box - enter Gate D. The funeral will be livestreamed at St. Mary Catholic Church YouTube channel.
In Roger’s memory and in lieu of flowers memorials may be directed to Windmill Manor Hospice Fund - 2332 Liberty Drive, Coralville, IA 52241
Roger was born on April 24, 1952, to Robert and Rita Jerrick in Berwyn, Il. After an active and always curious childhood, Roger attended Campion High School, an all-boys, Jesuit -Boarding High School in Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin from 1966 to 1970. While at Campion, Roger participated on the football, basketball and baseball teams while also spending time within the ROTC program. Over time it was evident the positive impact these four years had on him, through the entertaining stories he would share and relationships that were formed.
After a successful academic and athletic career at Campion, Roger was recruited to play football at the University of Iowa, where he attended from 1970 to 1974 while majoring in elementary education. It would be an understatement to say that Roger enjoyed every aspect of his days on campus. Stories have been shared of his contagious personality through his early days in Iowa City whether it be with his fraternity brothers at Delta Tau Delta, in the classroom, with his teammates on the football team or attending the many social engagements (parties) that he was frequently invited to. The constant through all these groups was the positive impact Roger had on anyone he met.
Coming in as a linebacker, the opportunity arose for more playing time at center. Roger jumped at the challenge. After spring camp finished in 1972, he would be the Hawkeyes starting center for the next two seasons. Roger would often joke that it was only because of his friendship with the training staff which kept him in the lineup as they would graciously list him at 215lbs (soaking wet). His undeniable will and toughness were directly reflected through his grit, discipline and “Never Give Up” attitude. This engrained determination led to him being a 3-year letter winner, two-year starter and Co-Captain in 1973.
Roger met the love of his life, Margo Keough, in August of 1980. They married in the Fall of 1981 and had an endless love for 42 and a half years. In 1986 they welcomed their son, RJ. RJ married Kyla in 2011, and their sons Porter, Louis and Monty loved their “Papa”.
I remember playing pick up BB with him at the old fieldhouse. Very athletic and no way he should have been playing center at 215. Iowa went 7-36-1 his ( and my 4 years at Iowa ) 1971 -1974. Looks like CTE might have gotten him. Never look down on 9 or 10 win seasons...
