Roger Lawrence Dannevik
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Roger Lawrence Dannevik, 90 years old.
Born May 17, 1932, in Nemaha County KS. Roger passed peacefully on January 23, 2023.
Roger was the son to late Ruth & Hank Johnson, Vermillion, KS.
Graduated from Vermillion High School in 1952.
Married to late Bettie Dannevik, 1953.
Preceded in death by loving wife Bettie Dannevik, and son Samuel Dannevik. Roger is survived by his sister Janice Minger and her husband Bud. Roger is also survived by son Bob Dannevik, Lawrence, granddaughter Missy Mourek, Ottawa, Nic Dannevik, Lawrence, Dana Jo Dannevik, Oregon, and Deana Dannevik, Oregon. His great grandchildren included Porter & Reese Dannevik, Lawrence, and Elaina & Taryn Mourek, Ottawa who will always remember the kind heart of their grandpa.
Roger loved working on anything that had an engine. Even received the CB nickname “Shade Tree” because you could always find him working on a motor under a nice shady tree.
Roger was a Service Director for GM for many years in Omaha, NE.
In 1978 he opened and operated Johnsons Garage & Hatchery in Vermillion KS.
Roger was an avid drag racer. Roger participated with his sons in the 1968 World Finals Super Stock J Automatic, in Tulsa Ok, with his Chevy Nova “The Red Baron”
In 1986 Roger & Bettie moved to Lawrence KS. Roger began working at Dale Willy Automotive in the service department.
After leaving Dale Willy Roger went to work at Quail Run Elementary, USD 497 Service Center, and Central Junior High School in maintenance.
After dedicating many years to the Lawrence School district Roger retired but continued to work part time for Stephens Real Estate, Lawrence KS for 15 years.
Rogers’ hobbies included: Working with Bob his son, and talking with others at the job sites, NHRA, coffee and breakfast every morning with his friends for at least 15 years, family, old western movies, Johns Wayne was his hero, and old-time country music.
I had only a brief time of knowing the Dannevik family. People come and go in life but this family has left a mark in my heart and mind. Bettie was a resident at my place of employment and her stories of love for her family were endless. Roger her husband was extremely kind and funny with every encounter we had. Roger then became weak and I am grateful the family placed him in our care. Although it was tough to see him at this stage, he still managed to make me smile. I cannot say enough about their devoted son Bob. He gets his sense of humor most likely from his dad! The stories of father/son friendship and how adored Roger was to everyone he came in contact with brought back all memories of the same great qualities of my deceased father. I was grateful to hear them. Bettie always showed me all the photos she received from her family on her laptop and you could feel how close they all were. Missy, Nick, Porter…her friends…I can only wish that I am lucky enough to have relationships just as strong. I have no doubt you all will have fond memories of your mother, father, grandparents, friend of Roger and Bettie. I know I am blessed to have the brief look into their life.
I’m so sorry to hear about Roger. What a fine man he was. I always loved having conversation with him. He will truly be missed by all of his friends and family. Our thoughts and prayers go out to all of you.
Tim & Wendy
Roger was the best. Always enjoyed visiting with him whether breakfast, a job site, or at Stephens. He will be missed.
I have memories of my cousin Roger since I was a little girl. I remember being at his and Bettie’s wedding. I am so glad I saw him in the Lawrence Hospital and visited by phone in the weeks before his death. RIP Roger.
Roger Dodger was such a cool dude. I will always cherish my time with him at Central. He made that place so much fun. My condolences to you all.
So sorry for your loss. I always enjoyed being around Roger. He had a great sense of humor. It was always easy to have a chat with Roger. He shared and listened. I especially loved his grin and the twinkle in his eye when he made you laugh. Life VERY well lived.
Saddened to hear the news. I always enjoyed talking with Roger. May God’s blessings be with you.
Roger was our baseball coach in the summer of 1958 in Vermillion. Roger,
always had a smile and an encouraging word. May this good man rest in peace, and his family and friends find comfort in remembering God’s gift to us.
Bob, very sorry for your families loss but happy Roger is no longer suffering. He joins your Mom & I’m sure together they are carrying on being ornery again. ❤️
Roger was a tremendous influence on students and staff while he worked at Central JH.
Rest in peace my friend.
I am so sorry for the loss of your beloved father and grandfather. Roger was one of the kindest souls I have ever met and I consider myself lucky to have known him. I hope your many happy memories bring some comfort during this difficult time.
I was lucky to know Roger and the whole Dannevik family. I first knew him as a grandfather who took joy in all activities his grandkids were involved in. He and Bettie never missed a music program, p.e. night, etc. While he worked at Quail Run, he extended his involvement to students who needed a kind word or a special boost. He had a wonderful eye for detail and was respected by all the staff. He never knew a stranger and was a great ambassador for public education. He was a positive force wherever he went. My hugs go out to his wonderful family, I know he gave you great memories!
Dear Family Members,
I am so sorry to hear about Roger. I met him when I met Bette at their home in Briarwood.
I cut Bette’s hair at home and then at their apartment when they downsized.
He was quiet and sweet and always near in case Bette needed something.
I had no idea all the things that he enjoyed and the many careers he had. What a full life!
You will all be in my thoughts and prayers as you grieve Roger. I can picture he and Bette together again.
Deepest Sympathy, Sue
I met Roger back in 1972, he and a neighbor worked on many cars for the “drags”. Roger was a guy that knew just about everything about anything you needed help with. He loved his family unconditionally. He was so proud of Missy & Nic! Bought Nic his first pair of cowboy boots after catching Nic wearing his! When the great grand kids came he was one of the proudest great grandfathers I’ve ever seen! Always tried to make every sporting & school event possible. Roger made many friends and will be greatly missed by family and friends.