Roger Walkwitz
September 14, 1929 - September 08, 2024
Obituary
God gave His servant ROGER WILLIAM WALKWITZ a long, interesting and productive life. He gave himself to love, obey and serve God forever while in his teen years. This began a life-long practice of "Bible before breakfast." Roger looked to God to direct his steps from then on. Roger graduated with a BS CHEMISTRY professional degree from Wheaton College in 1951. Bryan College recruited Roger to teach chemistry and coach cross-country and track, his "perfect job." In June of 1952, Roger was drafted into the US Army, which he enjoyed, and during that time God called him into foreign missionary work. After discharge, Roger taught one more year at Bryan College, where he was reunited with Naomi whom he was building a friendship. Leaving behind the "perfect career" that God had provided, he pursued further training for the new career of pioneering tribal areas of the northern Philippines. On September 8, 1956, Roger and Naomi were married. Roger and Naomi arrived in the Philippines January 1958 and except for stateside breaks, served until June 1990. Naomi was an English/Literature major and wanted to be a missionary and teach English. Naomi was a wonderful wife, mother of their 3 sons, Ray, Randy and Ron, and missionary, blessing many people until June 2, 2024 at the age of 92, Naomi went Home to be with the God she loved with all her heart. Roger was a gifted Bible teacher, developing many disciples. This began in Banaue, Ifugao Province, in the interior of the mountain tribal region. Roger assisted new local believers to translate the Gospel of John, their request, into their native language. The Bible Society accepted and published this first written material in this language. Teaching and making disciples continued as they moved to Baguio City for 20 years, the gateway to the various tribes. Soon God led Roger to establish BIBAK Bible Fellowship, which expanded into many congregations in the Benguet, Ifugo, Bontoc, Apayao and Kalinga provinces. In 1990, Roger & Naomi took a sabbatical leave to study in Israel at the Jerusalem University College, earning Graduate Certificates in Middle Eastern Studies. They then went on loan to Menorah Ministries in Florida to prepare for another new career. Mandatory retirement at 65 years came along, so Roger continued his teaching and discipleship ministry as God led and provided, making trips to the Philippines and to Israel. The scope of this third career for Roger and Naomi became clear to him to establish the Asia Pacific Messianic Fellowship in 2002 when he was 73 years old. To launch APMF, Roger sponsored a large 6-day Bible Conference in Baguio City. It was a great success, such that annual Bible Conferences have continued and Roger nurturing new Messianic congregations that sprang up all over the Philippines. Roger also taught in Messianic groups in Japan, Korea, Thailand, Singapore and New Zealand who wanted to be connected with APMF. On September 8, 2024 (Roger & Naomis 68th Wedding Anniversary) Roger went Home to be with his Father whom he loved with all his heart and enjoyed serving. "Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints." Psalm 116:15. Roger is survived by his sons Randy (Janie) and Ron, grandsons Jake and Sam, granddaughter Cloe and brother Don. Knauff Funeral Home is honored to serve the Walkwitz family during their time of transition.
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Memories
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Susan Bedell Loflin
Friend •
I knew Uncle Roger and Aunt Naomi (all missionary kids call their favorite people “uncle” and “aunt” from our time in the Philippines. They were full of fun, laughter, and a love for Jesus. Uncle Roger was also my high school science teacher … I was convinced that he passed me because he felt sorry for me! They both epitomized the love of Christ through their treatment of others.
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Randy Walkwitz
Other •
Dad, I didn't like you very much when I was young. You were stubborn, hard-headed and unwavering with a one track mind. As I matured I began to understand you and eventually learned to love you. Stubborn, hard-headed and unwavering were actually commitment to your purpose on Earth.I will be eternally thankful that God allowed me to be with you those final 5 days and to be there when He called you home so you could celebrate your 68th Anniversary with Mom.Thank you for loving me, even though you had a strange way of showing it. You were the rock of our family and I will always appreciate that. Love you Dad.Randy (#2)
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AJ
Other •
Uncle Rogers kindness, blunt wisdom and unwavering support have profoundly shaped who I am today.I find such serene comfort in knowing that he resting in the loving embrace of the Heavenly Father. Prayers and hugs to you Randy,Ron and the rest of the gang💟
DW
don walkwitz
Other •
My brother Roger was 4 years older than I, so I looked to him for help many times. We always got along .He taught me how to ride a bicycle, which I have enjoyed most of my life along with my wife Faith, tooring all over the U.S. He also taught me patiently how to drive a car and loaned me his on occasion. He taught me to trust the Lord in making decisions. His ministry actually began when he was in high school. He, along with his buddies purchased a wire recorder, which became obsolete , but he would record the Sunday Sermon each morning, and play it for the shut-ins in the afternoon. He had a 'helping attitude'--a wonderful brother. Brother Don
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Edward Padalinski
Other •
Hi Randy.So sorry for your loss! He certainly had lots of great years to share with others. You and your family are in my thoughts.
FD
Frank Daytec
Other •
Roger and Naomi were like second parents to me. May their memory forever be a blessing!