Obituary of Roger L. Van Dorpe

Roger Van Dorpe, 95, formerly residing at 1819 High Street, Iowa City, died Sunday, July 6, 2008 at Windmill Manor Care Center in Coralville, Iowa. Funeral services will be held at 5:00 p.m. on Monday, August 4th at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church in Iowa City with the Reverend Michael Phillips officiating. Visitation will also be on August 4th from 2:00 - 5:00 p.m. in the lower level of St. Wenceslaus Church. Graveside services will be at l:00 p.m. on Wednesday, August 6 at the Oakwood Cemetery in Farmington, Michigan. Online condolences may be sent for his family through the web @www.gayandciha.com. Roger was born on June 4, 1913 in Ghent, Belgium, the son of Albert and Caesarine (Bontinck) Van Dorpe. He was united in marriage to Betty Jean Linn on August 2, 1941 in Detroit, Michigan. The couple lived in Detroit until moving to Farmington, Michigan in 1971. They were happily married for 61 years until Betty Jean's death in 2002. Roger worked for the J. L. Hudson Company in Detroit. He was active in his church, singing in the choir and belonging to the Knights of Columbus. Roger and Betty Jean both enjoyed bowling leagues, playing in card clubs, swimming, and socializing at the Senior Center. Roger had a gift for writing poetry; his work was published several times, especially in "The Hudsonian." In Iowa City he was a member of St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church. He was a lifetime supporter of many charitable organizations. His family includes his son, Paul Van Dorpe and his wife Jill (Kramar) of Iowa City; grandchildren, Alexander, Rex, and Darlene Angelique; brother, John Van Dorpe and his wife Marion of Phoenix, Arizona. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Betty Jean, and brother Carl.