Obituary of Aggrey Ogoli

It is with great sorrow that we announce that Aggrey Ojango Ogoli, 59, died Monday, September 16, 2019 due to complications from a heart attack. His final moments were with loved ones by his side in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

A memorial service will be held Sunday, September 29, 2019 at the Gay & Ciha Funeral Home in Iowa City between 2:00 - 5:00pm. Aggrey will be interred at his childhood home in Shivembe Village in Vihiga, Kenya.

Aggrey Ojango Ogoli was born on June 4, 1960 in Kaimosi in Vihiga, Kenya. The fourth of nine children, he had a tranquil spirit and joyous outlook on life. After graduating from Kaimosi Primary School, Vihiga High School and Kwale High School, he played professional football (soccer) with KFA in Nakuru and MOTCOM in Kakamega. He was a favorite midfielder in the game between 1979-1995 as a player on the Kenyan Football Premier League. In 1995, he moved to Iowa to further his education and enrolled at Kirkwood Community College. He graduated and went on to work at Williamsburg Manufacturing from 2002-2009. He eventually became the designated family computer analyst. However, his athletic drive and passion for soccer never died, which was evidenced by his years’ gym memberships and daily visits to Planet Fitness. A constant learner and student of life, Aggrey decided to enrich his knowledge of technology and computers by continuing his education. In 2009, Aggrey graduated from Kaplan University in Cedar Rapids with an Associate degree in Applied Science and Computer Information Systems. After finishing the program, he accepted a position as a Computer Information Analyst for Rockwell Collins from 2010-2013.

 In 2013, Aggrey unfortunately suffered a stroke that impeded his ability to continue working and lead the independent life he was so accustomed to doing. He worked hard to regain his motor functions and speech capabilities and, since the stroke, had begun to not only speak well but return to his gym routines. It was during this recovery process that he gained a passion for photography, which he shared with his brothers David and Mike. Together they captured images and documented happy moments in photos. He specifically had a keen eye for details. Aggrey was happily married to Martha Ogoli on August 29, 2009, and they recently celebrated their 10th year anniversary. Together they shared an adoration for pets, of which they had 3, his dog Kasey and their cats Almond and Willis. He naturally gravitated toward family pets which equally adored him for his attention and personable communication and touch.

Aggrey is survived by his wife, Martha Ogoli; son Moses Noordin Asman Ogoli; granddaughter Natasha Asman; his sister, Grace Jahava; his six brothers, James Ahai, David Mwale, Eric Ambani, Francis Majani, Mike Lugaye and Anthony Amaidza; brother-in-law, Walter (Grace); sisters-in-law, Grace (Jim), Iris (David), Margaret (Eric), Carmen (Mike) and Alice (Anthony); and many beloved nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Ephraim and Helen Andisi Ogoli, and his sister Joy Kadenyeka Opana. His last words a few hours before death were: “God is holding me, I trust Him”. Amen!

In lieu of flowers, the family requests your financial contribution to support the burden for the funeral and transport to his final resting place in Kenya. For those based in the United States, donations can be made to the memorial bank account at Green State Credit Union created in Aggrey’s name. Details: Routing #: 273-975-098 | Account #: 145-09-145. Donations can also be made via PayPal at the following email: sharon_mwale@yahoo.com.