Roger B. Poeppel

Born and raised in Staten Island, NY, Roger was a research engineer with a Bachelors Degree in Engineering Physics and a PhD. in Material Science and Engineering (minor in Mathematics), all from Cornell University.  His career developed at Argonne National Laboratory in Lemont, IL, where he attained the honor of Senior Engineer and the level of Division Director of the Engineering Technology Division.  Roger was known as an original and innovative thinker; he is the holder of multiple awards and patents earned while at Argonne.  He was active in numerous professional organizations, and he published and edited professional journals.  He once appeared on the cover of Popular Science magazine.  

A 53 year resident of Glen Ellyn, Roger supported community organizations, and generously volunteered to coach several youth sports teams. He was known among his close neighbors and family for cheerfully helping with home repairs and fixes any time, day or night. 

Most precious to Roger was his family.  An early “Mr. Mom”, he made the time for most domestic duties while Sarah earned a law degree and studied to pass the bar exam, and continued to support her throughout her career.  He never declined a chance to visit and to be audience to his children and grandchildren when at all possible.  He supported them all and they were his inspiration for living. 

Roger had many interests and hobbies throughout his life.  He learned sailing in college and it became a preferred way of traveling and vacationing - in the Great Lakes, on the east and west coasts, and in the Mediterranean Sea.  In retirement, he and his wife cruised the world, often months at a time.  When stateside, he developed a love for cooking, gardening, biking and hiking, and horsemanship.  He always did projects large and small around the house.

Roger was the son of John Poeppel and Elsie “Sweet Mama” Poeppel (Miller).  He is survived by his loving wife of 55 years, Sarah (Goodwin) and his three children Karen Poeppel (Cap) of NYC, Alan Poeppel (Sharyn Yorio) of Kinnelon NJ and Brian (Anita) Poeppel of Chillicothe, IL, 4 granddaughters Lauren, Lucy, Susannah, Laura and his sister Linda Kehoe of Hughson, CA, a niece and nephew and other loving family.  An older brother, John, died in infancy.

A memorial gathering is scheduled for Friday August 26th, 9 to 11 am at Leonards Memorial Funeral Home, 565 Duane Street, Glen Ellyn, 60137; with a private burial immediately following.  An on-line legacy page has been opened.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the DuPage Care Center Foundation, 400 N. County Farm Road, Wheaton, IL 60187 (Roger received superior care in the rehabilitation wing there) or the Morton Arboretum, Lisle Illinois.  

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