1928
2017
Hans Ekkehard Rogge, resident of Pacific Grove for 69 years, passed away peacefully in his sleep on Monday, October 9. Born on October 24, 1928 in Bremen, Germany, Hans endured and survived WWII in his youth after which he emigrated to the United States at the age of 20. Like many immigrants of his time, Hans arrived in New York City with empty pockets after paying for his passage from Europe. But armed with the optimism of youth and aided by the generosity of kind strangers and relatives already settled in this country, Hans was able to make his way to Pacific Grove where his father had already settled. He struggled the first year in this new country and almost returned to his homeland for good. But the following year he found work which became his passion and lifelong means of earning a living: housing construction. In time he started his own construction company creating work for many through building custom homes. Hans enjoyed building things throughout his life which even extended into beautifully designed furniture and cabinets.
Hans was an energetic man who thrived in the out of doors. He loved skiing, hiking, camping, fishing, boating, and cycling. In the early 1950s Hans joined the Carmel Ski Club where he met his future wife of 49 years, Eleanor. After marrying in Carmel in 1957 they had two children who they raised in Pacific Grove. For many years they also belonged to the German American Club in Monterey through which Hans enjoyed the cultural traditions and ties to his fatherland.
Hans took a leadership role throughout his life. Along with running his own company he served as president in clubs of which he was a member. He also served on the Architectural Review Board in Pacific Grove preserving the beauty of the town along with the growth. He was known for his sense of humor and fun, kindness and generosity, discipline and organizational skills, as well as fairness and integrity. Employees of his construction company remained loyal to him for many years, a testament to the kind of man Hans was.
Hans also greatly enjoyed cultural activities. He was an avid reader of all kinds of books and periodicals his entire life, evidence of his intense curiosity and desire to stay informed on current affairs. He loved music of various genres including classical and country. On camping trips with his family he played German folk songs on his beloved harmonica. Hans and Eleanor also loved to travel within the United States and internationally. They had the chance to visit many interesting countries around the world. Hans and Eleanor shared a passion for art which they collected from artists on the peninsula as well as during their travels.
Sadly, Eleanor passed away in 2006. Hans was broken hearted, but then met his love for the next decade, Prebble Potter. The two of them could be seen around town sharing Mohitos in Pebble Beach or Margaritas on Cannery Row. Life began again with Prebble, and the two of them celebrated every day in each other's company whether traveling abroad, bowling or golfing, or dining at one of their favorite restaurants.
Hans departed this life thinking himself a lucky man. He enjoyed a long life, robust good health, a loving family and many friends, the good fortune of calling the beautiful Monterey peninsula home, and a wide variety of interests. Hans leaves a wonderful legacy behind with more than 150 beautiful houses all around the Monterey Peninsula. He is survived by his daughter Suzanne (Gary) and son Eric (Carol), three grandchildren, Alison, Tom and Claire, and family in Germany. A small private memorial service is planned to remember and honor Hans. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to Habitat For Humanity (www.habitat.org).
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by The Paul Mortuary.
2 Entries
January 10, 2018
Kathy Kraft
Suzie and Eric, What fun it is to view the photos you assembled! Hans and Eleanor were such a handsome couple and such good friends. Great family! You are blessed! Kathy and Tedd Kraft
December 12, 2017
Marilyn Gibfried
It's been our pleasure to know Hans and Eleanor since the 70's but had no idea of the struggles Hans endured before that time. Thank you Susie and Eric for providing this deeper view of your dad. He had a remarkable life and we are grateful to have known him.
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