He rode his Shetland pony a mile from his home to start kindergarten. In later years, he rode larger and faster horses to the one room country school through 8th grade graduation. Working with horse drawn equipment in the early years, Dwaine helped his father care for the animals and necessary farm work before and after school. He learned how to work with and treat the animals entrusted to his care. There were many cattle to raise and to feed over the years.

He drove a Jeep to Auburn High School where he played trombone in the marching band. Continuing education brought him to the University of Nebraska in Lincoln where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering. He continued his education at the Harvard Business School, achieving a Master’s degree in Business Administration.

He was in ROTC during college. Commissioned in the United States Army Ordnance Corps and was stationed at the proving grounds in Aberdeen, Maryland. Dwaine remained in the Army Reserves through 1974 having advanced to the rank of Captain. Military service helped develop skills to lead, manage, motivate, and encourage the soldiers entrusted to his command.

In late 1953 he found his High School Sweetheart. They dated for five years and planned their life together. On August 17th of 1958, Dwaine married Wanda Teten at the Howe Evangelical Church in Howe, Nebraska. To this marriage were born Scott (1960), Shari (1963) and Paul (1966) and with the blessing of a growing family there were young ones to nurture, instruct, and care for. The family had many travel adventures to expand one’s horizons, eventually travel adventures reached all 50 states and visits to six continents. Dwaine and Wanda traveled hundreds of thousands of miles together. The tremendously respectful and deeply loving relationship between Dwaine & Wanda was the “secret sauce” behind Dwaine’s ability to go, be, & do the many things done to be a good steward of the gifts and opportunities provided by the master’s hand. Wanda was his best friend and constant companion, with conversation, food, beverages, coffee, bandages (as needed) and a song in their heart. She said, “We had a great life together.”

Work took the young family to Minneapolis, Minnesota where Dwaine worked for Archer- Daniels-Midland Company arranging grain transportation. One particularly cold and windy day, he came home from work and said, “We have to move farther South!” After a job search the growing family moved to Lincoln, Nebraska. Dwaine began work at first Mid-America as a securities analyst – stocks, bonds, and the like. Ten years later and seeing better ways to do things, Dwaine started his own private company Commerce Capital, Inc. Over the years more companies have started to serve specific needs; Commodities, Real Estate Brokerage, Cattle Feeding, Oil & Gas Exploration, Investment Management, Wanda’s Nature Farm Foods, and many other entrepreneurial ventures and adventures.

With the move back to Lincoln, it was once again possible to help on the family farms near Auburn. More farmland was purchased, living quarters arranged, and a pattern of farming started and continued for many decades.

The arrival of grandchildren brought great joy. Once again, the family expanded greatly with little ones to love, birthdays to celebrate, and loving relationships to build. Dwaine delighted in sharing stories about his grandchildren – their childhood experiences, their educational journeys, he genuinely cared about their growth and progress and was very proud of all they have accomplished. Holiday celebrations sometimes included home-made ice cream where everyone had a hand in making and enjoying the treat. There were many memories made along the way. Dwaine was quietly encouraging children and grandchildren.

He was a member of Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church.

Preceded in death by his parents and other relatives and many friends.

Family members include his wife, Wanda; children Scott Rogge (Kathy Ellis), Shari Rogge-Fidler (David Fidler), and Paul Rogge; grandchildren Mailyn Fidler (Quinn White), Hannah Fidler, Lauren (Aaron) Hall, Carson, Sarah, Logan, and Kate Rogge; sister Elaine (Vince) McGrath; brother Lynn (Jana) Rogge.

Funeral service for Dwaine was held on Monday, November 25, 2024, at Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church with burial in the Hickory Grove Cemetery.

Memorials to the family or Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church for future designation.

Condolences online at Roperandsons. com