Former Superintendent of Bryan Public Schools

BRYAN, O. — Howard W. Rogge, 83, the former superintendent of Bryan public schools, died Friday in the Community Hospital of Williams County after a six-week illness.

Mr. Rogge came to Bryan in 1943 as principal of Bryan High School. In 1946 he became the superintendent of schools, serving until his retirement in 1969.

During his tenure, he was instrumental in the passage of bond issues to construct the addition to Lincoln Elementary School, the Washington Elementary School, and the present high school. The school parking lot and the bus barns also were built during his time as superintendent. He was an adviser on legislative affairs to the Williams County Retired Teachers Association.

Born in Liberty Center, he was a graduate of Ohio State University, where he also received a master’s degree in school administration. He was the principal and superintendent of schools in Swanton, O., before coming to Bryan.

He was a member of the Wesley United Methodist Church and was chairman of the building committee for the church built in 1969. He managed the Pentad Apartments in Bryan and was a member of the board of directors for the Church Women United Thrift Shop. He was a member of the Bryan Rotary Club and was a Paul Harris Fellow. He held a record 41 years’ perfect attendance. He participated in the monthly radio program, “Party Line” on WBNO Radio, a show dealing with current events.

In 1983, he received the Good Citizens Award from the Bryan Area Foundation. He was a member of the Knights Templar and the Orchard Hills Country Club.

His first wife, Hazel, died in 1977. Survivors are his second wife, Polly Smith; daughter, Mrs. Becky Burns; son, William; stepson, Keith Smith; four grandchildren, two step grandchildren, and one great-grandson.

Services will be at 1:30 p.m. tomorrow in the Wesley United Methodist Church. The body will be at the Greenisen & Tilton Mortuary in Bryan after 2 p.m. today. Memorials can be given to the Howard W. Rogge Scholarship Fund or the Wesley United Methodist Church.