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Roger D. Stefani, Sr.

October 7, 1939 - June 27, 2022

The Fighting Irish (Notre Dame & Dowling Maroons) lost their biggest fan on June 27, 2022, when Roger Dale Stefani, Sr., of Ankeny, became a part of the angel choir. Roger was born on October 7, 1939, and graduated from Dowling High School in 1957.

Visitation will be held from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, June 30, 2022, at Our Lady’s Immaculate Heart Catholic Church (510 E. 1^st St.). Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, July 1, 2022, also at the church. Burial will be at Ankeny Memorial Gardens.

Roger retired from Bridgestone/Firestone after 30 years where he was very active with the United Rubber Workers Local 310. He also retired from the Polk County Election Office. Roger was a charter member of OLIH and the Knights of Columbus. He was a Fourth Degree Knight with Council 5038 in Ankeny. In addition, he was a lifetime member of the Vittoria Lodge.

In his younger years, he coached Pee Wee baseball and Babe Ruth. He played Men’s Slow Pitch and Fast Pitch softball for various teams including Our Lady’s Immaculate Heart. He took great pride in coaching and playing with his adult sons, nephews, and cousin on his team. The scorekeepers and announcers were very confused with the lineup: R. Stefani, R. Stefani, R. Stefani, F. Stefani, and A. Stefani.

Roger enjoyed hunting pheasant and quail until he lost his long-time hunting buddy, Don Righi. Roger and Fran enjoyed dancing, especially Polkas. They enjoyed wintering in Arizona for the past seventeen years.

He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Frances (Talarico) Stefani; son, Roger Jr. (Dr. Kerry Sheehy); daughter, Marie; son, Frank (Brenda; son-in-law, Jeff Anderlik (Lisa); eight grandchildren, Dustin (Carlie) Stefani, Meghan (Austin) Anderson, Derek Blatt, William (Hannah) Stefani, Emily Stefani, Elise Blatt, Lydia Blatt, and Carlie Anderlik; three great grandchildren, Eden Stefani, Kasen Stefani, and Lenny Anderson; and sisters, Nancy Stefani and Mary Rose Fugaccia (Eugenio).

He will be dancing through the pearly gates in true fashion to Molly B’s polka music and greeted by his “Brown Eyed Girl”, daughter LeAnn Stefani Anderlik who preceded him in death as well as his parents, Rex and Elisa (Fontanini) Stefani; sisters, Della Casey Airey, and Rose Mary Stefani; brothers, Marco Stefani and Raymond Stefani; and daughter, LeAnn Stefani Anderlik.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Vittoria Lodge or Dowling High School Scholarship Fund.