Linda Lorena May (Trucano) Rogge, age 87, passed away peacefully in her sleep on September 9, 2018 at the Powder River Manor in Broadus. After long years of illness and decline, she is now at ease and with her beloved husband, sisters and parents.
Linda was born on May 18, 1931 to Adeline Visintainer and James Trucano, at the family ranch near Boyes, Montana. Her grandmother, Leona Capra Barbero, assisted her birth and chose her name, adding May because of the month. After 1937, the Trucanos ran the Boyes general store, which was a cornerstone of the small community, and provided Linda and her sisters with ample stories later in life.
Linda attended Duncan Creek School, and later Powder River County High School, graduating in 1949. While in high school she met a tall, handsome, jokester by the name of Joy Rogge and fell in love. After graduation, war and school kept them apart. She attended nurses training and he deployed to the Korean War. Upon his return they married, on August 9, 1953 at St. David's Catholic Church in Broadus.
Linda began her long nursing career at Holy Rosary Hospital in Miles City. In 1954, she and Joy moved to Boyes to help her parents with the store. There, she continued her nursing career caring for the local community. Joy and Linda's first five children were born during their years at Boyes.
In 1971, Joy and Linda moved to the Rogge Ranch near Broadus and built their dream home. Here they also welcomed their youngest son. Linda returned to her nursing career and worked at the Powder River Manor, Broadus Medical Clinic and Health Nurses Office. Her favorite job was working for the school districts in the area as a health nurse. She taught many kids how to properly brush their teeth-something that was very important to her. Her grandkids knew that she always had an extra toothbrush in her cabinet. She retired from nursing in 1998
The Trucanos were proud of their Italian heritage, and for Linda, that pride was best expressed through food. Her family looked forward to "Grandma Linda's Chicken," her homemade spaghetti and the ravioli that she and Joy would make from scratch each year. Linda would want you to always have a second helping.
Linda was also an excellent baker. She was highly regarded for her wedding cakes, never failed to remember the preferred treat of each child and grandchild on his or her birthday, and her cookie jar was always full. For several years she made homemade Kahlua for the holidays, which was a favorite at the annual Alter Society Christmas gift exchange. One of Linda's favorite hobbies was her flower garden. Her yard was a rainbow of colors from spring through fall, and she loved sharing bouquets with family and friends. She also loved to travel, and she and Joy spent many happy times with family on both coasts. Throughout her life, Linda found guidance, strength and solace in the Catholic Church. She was an active member of the Alter Society. Without a doubt, Linda's calling in life was to be a provider for those in need. Whether it was family member with an empty plate, a community member who needed assistance, or a patient in the Broadus Medical Clinic, she poured her heart into giving. Linda's true focus was her family. Her husband, parents, children, grandchildren and great grandchildren were always in her thoughts and directed her deeds. She never stopped planning for the next family gathering. Thank God for every minute spent with your family. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Joy; her sisters, Kay Latta, Maxine McCurdy and Mildred Sowers; her brothers-in-law, John Latta, Neal McCurdy and Bill Sowers; a nephew, Charles Sowers; and niece, Jani McCurdy Morse.
Linda is survived by her children, Jody (Richard) O'Leary, Lyle (Jeanne) Rogge, Don (RaeVonne) Rogge, Bruce Rogge, LeAnne (Art) Viall, and Brent (Jen) Rogge, and daughter-in-law Jeanette Rogge. She is also survived by her grandchildren Ryan Rogge, Kyle Rogge (RaLynn Noftsker), Caitlin (Cole) Riggs, Megan (Brandon) Curtiss, Adam Gronning, Hailey (Ryan) Davidson, Morgan Rogge, Hannah Rogge, Ethan Rogge, Lena (Erik) Larson, Molly Viall, Sam (Crikett) Viall, Mackenzie Rogge, Allexa Rogge, Samantha McKay and Austin Rogge; greatgrandchildren Jalyn, Jace, Ty, Koby, Urijah, Natalie, Silas and Leif; great niece Cherise Gruber; and friend, Verna Viall. Should friends desire, memorials can be made to the Powder River Manor or Saint David's Catholic Church.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, September 27, 2018 from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. followed by a Vigil Service at 6:00 p.m. at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home in Broadus. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, September 28, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. at Saint David's Catholic Church in Broadus. Interment will follow in the Valley View Cemetery. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: http://www.stevensonandsons.com.
Reader Comments(0)