Roger Cruz
July 14, 1943 ~ August 19, 2021
Roger Cruz, 78, of Cedar Rapids, passed away Thursday, August 19, 2021, at the Dennis and Donna Oldorf Hospice House of Mercy, Hiawatha, following a short but valiant battle with lung cancer. A Celebration of Life will take place at a later date. Stewart Baxter Funeral & Memorial Services, Cedar Rapids, is caring for Roger and his family.
Survivors include his beloved wife, Elizabeth; children, Roger Charles Cruz, Claire and Hany Mahi, and Blaise Hermsen; former daughter-in-law, Margaret Cruz; grandchildren, Cameron, Trinity, Genevi��ve, Giovanni, Colette, and S��bastien; sister, Helen Bullock; Elizabeth's family; many extended family members; numerous friends, including Mirela and Oather Taylor; and special cat companion, Zola.
Roger Cruz was born July 14, 1943, in San Antonio, Texas, to Peter and Petra Cruz. He grew up in the San Antonio area, then attended Texas A & M, where he earned his Bachelor's. Roger then went to Columbia to receive his Master's degree in Electrical Engineering. He worked as an electrical engineer for over 30 years in the Texas area before moving to Iowa to work for Rockwell Collins.
Roger met Elizabeth Loraill��re while they both attended a work party in Houston. They connected on many levels and spent the past 16 cherished years together. They enjoyed traveling the world, especially to France and Canada each year. Roger was a talented and passionate gardener and an amazing cook. Roger was a skilled racquetball player, and enjoyed playing on the Rockwell team with his colleagues.
Most importantly, Roger loved life. He was a kind man, optimistic through every trial, and endlessly protective of those he loves. He will be dearly missed by his beloved family and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; grandson, Grant; and two brothers, Albert and Hector.
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We are deeply sorry for your loss ~ Stewart Baxter Funeral & Memorial Services – Cedar Rapids
I am so saddened to hear about Roger’s passing. I have really enjoyed working with Roger. He was a joy to be around and have on our team at Collins. His energy and demeanor were always something I really admired! And that he could beat any of us at racquetball! I, and the whole team, will miss him. Hugs and love to his family.
Roger was my work grandpa. He told the best stories and would bring in AMAZING pumpkin cookies that he and his wife made from scratch. I made the mistake of playing tennis with him once and he completely annihilated me. He was known as the racquetball king in our group, so I should’ve know better. Despite all his victories, he always remain humble, kind, and sweet. I’ll miss you, Roger
Roger, I never got tired of you wiping the racquetball court with us. Every once in a while, you’d let us win a set, but you’d make sure to finish us with a 10 point rally in the last set. I haven’t played racquetball since the last time I played with you, but tomorrow I’ll be going to the court to play in your memory. And afterwards, I might just have to go out and have a shot of Fireball in your name as well. I’ll be thinking of you every time I walk past the courts, Roger.
I’m so sorry to hear about Roger. We started at Collins at about the same time and I remember working on projects with him. He was always so kind and patient, I don’t remember him saying an unkind word about anything. We’d have lunch together sometimes and both of us being on the quiet side not much was said but I always enjoyed his company. My deepest condolences to his family and friends during this hard times.
I’m so sorry to hear of Roger’s passing. I worked with him on Common Core Radio projects on multiple occasions. He was always very patient and humble. He was a pleasure to know and work with.
I just found out about Roger’s passing. I worked with Roger on Common Core at Collins Aerospace when he was first hired and for a couple years after that until I moved from Iowa to Oregon. Roger was truly a kind soul and I will miss him dearly. My thoughts and condolences to his wife and family.
Roger will be missed. Roger always had a smile and a great disposition even when work was stressful. My condolences and prayers for your family. Psalms 145:18-19
Roger Cruz brought so many gifts to our life. We will never forget him!