Mr. Rodger K. Loeffler

Rodger K. Loeffler, 80, of Cocoa, FL passed away on January 23, 2023, at home, surrounded by his family. Rodger was born on September 22, 1942, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania to the late Carl F. Loeffler and Ruth E. Krause. Rodger proudly served in the United States Air Force and specialized in missile mechanics from June 15, 1960, through June 12, 1964. From there, Rodger entered the USAF Reserves until June 14, 1966. After being honorably discharged, Rodger continued working on his technical passion of automobile mechanics which led to him to one of his favorite hobbies, racing drag cars. Rodger then planted his roots here in Brevard County, Florida where he started his own family and married the love of his life, Margaret. His mechanical aerospace background landed him a job at the Kennedy Space Center and at the front door of the Apollo Program. Supporting John Glenn’s launches, Rodger was an excellent and dedicated worker and was well respected by many Engineers. Rodger was on the pre-launch inspections team for the crew compartments on Apollo 1, Apollo 7, Apollo 9, Apollo 11, and Apollo 13. During his time at Rockwell, he shared many morning meetings to go vertical with the Orbiter also known as the Space Shuttle. Rodger was in charge and oversaw the final inspection of the wheel wells on the Orbiter. In the early 1980’s, Rodger managed the tile pattern shop in High Bay 2. Rodger then worked as a manager of the tile manufacturer of tile shop at the BUILDING 1095 for a long period of time. He then went back to Thermal Protection System Management in the early 2000’s before retiring in 2003 which put him at a little over 30 years with the space program. After retirement Rodger and Margaret bought an RV and traveled the country before purchasing a cabin in Sapphire, North Carolina. Rodger enjoyed being outdoors, he had an admiration for wildlife, especially black bears. He enjoyed the scenery of the mountains and was able to relax in cooler weather. Rodger was a very humble, hardworking, and intelligent man who was dedicated to his family and his country. He enjoyed camping, campfires, working in his garage, and being out on the lake on his pontoon boat. He was the happiest cooking on his smoker and feeding the masses, all while listening to his country music on his Rockin’ Roller and enjoying a Rolling Rock. He stayed true to his German roots and mastered his favorite dish, Flammkuchen (German Pizza). He loved watching NASCAR and lived for college game day and Sunday football. He was a devoted Pittsburgh Steelers fan and cheered for the Fighting Irish. Rodger was a beloved husband for 38 years who helped raise four kids. He took his family on many adventures which created endless memories. He was a storyteller. Reminiscing of the days working with his crew out at Kennedy Space Center and the Apollo Program. He was a race car driver. He was fast, determined, and a competitive driver who loved the thrill of the track. To know Rodger, you were blessed. You always had a place in his family, a spot at his table, and a door that was always open to you. His willingness to go out of his way and make sure that you didn’t go without was endless. He was always first to lend a helping hand to anyone who was ever in need. Rodger is survived and missed by his children; daughter Nicole Maldonado and her husband Christian, daughter Kristen Leeson and her husband Kenny, and son Casey Loeffler and his wife Rachel. He is also survived by his bonus son Jason Kutasi and his wife Ashley. “Papa Rodge” will also be greatly missed by his grandchildren; Ava and Abigail Maldonado, Konnor and Kensley Leeson, Jacob and Madelyn Loeffler, and Addison, Josslyn, Easton, and Oakley Kutasi. Rodger is also survived by his siblings; his sister Arvetta and her husband Richard “Dick” Cline, his sister Nancy and her husband Paul Luck, and his sister Sue Baechtel and her husband Mark Stuljensky, as well as numerous loving nephews and nieces. Rodger was predeceased by his parents, Carl F. Loeffler and Ruth E. Baectel, his wife, Margaret K. Loeffler, and his beloved Jack Russell Terrier, Max. He will forever be missed, and his legacy will live on through his children and grandchildren for generations to come. Per his wishes, there will not be a service and he will be placed with his wife, Margaret in Brevard County, FL.

Mr. Rodger K. Loeffler

September 22, 1942 - January 23, 2023

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Mr. Rodger K. Loeffler

September 22, 1942 - January 23, 2023

365 Days of Grief Support

What We Do

Flowers & Gifts

About Us

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Obituaries

Grief & Healing

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