Roger Mathew Huhnke

Roger Mathew Huhnke, 81, of Wichita, KS, lost his long battle against Alzheimers Disease on April 25, 2018. He is survived by his loving wife of 55 years, Imelda Huhnke; his daughters, Marie Huhnke of Sandwich, MA, and Michelle Huhnke (David Scheffer) of Riverside, IL; and his son, Matthew Huhnke, also of Wichita, KS. He has two beloved grandchildren, Kate and Henry Scheffer. He is preceded in death by his father, Theodore Huhnke; his mother, Margaret Dimmer Huhnke; and his sister, Shirley Huhnke Martinez, all of San Diego, CA. Roger was born in Fargo, North Dakota, but grew up in La Jolla, San Diego, California. Roger attended the California Maritime Academy, graduating in 1957 as a third mate. He sailed for American President Lines, circling the globe three times on their around-the-world service. When his "number came up," Roger left the merchant marine and sailed the South Pacific with the Navy. Eventually he came ashore, attending Thunderbird School of Global Management in Phoenix, AZ. He not only graduated from the international business program, but met and married Imelda Murphy, an elementary school teacher. Rogers adventuresome spirit was evident in his shore-side career as a shipping manager. He took his family along for the adventure, working in places as varied as Buenos Aires, New York City, and Wichita. He finished his career with 22 years at Koch Industries. Roger will be deeply missed as a devoted husband, a supportive dad, a go-to grandpa, and an all-around smart, fun, and curious person. Services will be held on Monday at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, in Springfield, Illinois, with interment at Calvary Cemetery. Memorial Mass will be at 2:00 pm, Friday, June 15, 2018, at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church. In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established with Fisher Center for Alzheimers Research Foundation, 110 E. 42nd St., 16th Floor, New York, NY 10017 (www.alzinfo.org). Downing & Lahey East Mortuary.