Marion Richard “Marty” Rogowski, 87, of Lenexa, Kansas, passed away peacefully at home on December 19, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. A devoted friend, husband, father, uncle, godfather, grandfather, and great-grandfather, Marty will be remembered for his strength, his resilience, his quick wit, and his unwavering devotion to those he loved.
Born on November 11, 1938, in Chicago, Illinois, to Paul and Julia (Dzuirgot) Rogowski, Marty grew up steeped in family values and a deep commitment to excellence, principles that guided him throughout his life. He attended Harrison High School in Chicago where he met his wife, Betty, and bonus “brother,” Steve Ribich (Scottsdale, AZ). Marty was a resourceful problem solver and lifelong student. One of his first jobs was as a computer programmer at Standard Oil, working on some of the first IBM computers, when programming involved creatively arranging wires in patterns to effectively create the equivalent of the modern-day circuit board. Marty continued his education through night school, earning his Bachelor of Science in Business from DePaul University.
Marty appreciated travel. One of he and Betty’s first adventures away from Chicago was early in their marriage during his military service in Arlington, VA, an assignment that landed him at the Pentagon working on computers. Being adjacent to the nation’s capital provided them with a unique vantage point to observe history and politics, including bearing witness to the funeral procession of John F. Kennedy. While Marty and Betty enjoyed their time in VA and briefly considered permanent relocation there, his devotion to family led them back to Chicago.
Through the years, as Marty’s career progressed with successive positions at Standard Oil, Midas and then Continental Grain, God’s plan for Marty and his young family was not in Chicago, as each employer offered him a transfer to Kansas City. He heeded the call, and, in 1976, Marty and Betty moved to Kansas City, a bold decision that would define their family’s future. Their children, David, Patricia, and Robert, would later agree it was one of the most personally challenging, but best decisions Marty and Betty made as a couple, second only to them falling in love and marrying (May 1960). It marked the beginning of a new chapter of their young family’s life; one filled with great personal and professional opportunity and spiritual growth. Marty later founded Marion Computing Systems, a business that reflected his enterprising spirit, discipline, sharp intellect, and desire to support his church community by simplifying administrative accounting functions.
Beyond his professional achievements, Marty’s personal story was one of faith, perseverance, and triumph. His deep devotion to his Catholic faith guided his every decision and served as the foundation for the values he instilled in his children and grandchildren. Marty was an active and integral part of the Holy Trinity church community for many years, first as a communion minister, later as faith group leader and more recently as a fourth degree Knight of Columbus. We will miss his email based liturgical and spiritual meditations and even his Sunday funnies. Marty was a competitive athlete when he was in good health and participated in multiple MS 150 cycling events, raising donations for research to beat Multiple Sclerosis. He completed multiple Hospital Hill runs and once competed in a sprint triathlon. He was a thirty‑year leukemia survivor and endured a valve replacement and quadruple bypass surgery at age 72, living another fifteen fulfilling years thereafter. His grit and determination defined him just as much as his kindness and faith.
In retirement (from work and athletics), Marty could often be found in his beloved backyard, tending to his pond and gardens, a beautiful reflection of his artistry, patience, craftsmanship and mindfulness. His backyard became both his passion and his sanctuary, eventually becoming a featured garden in the Greater Kansas City Garden Tour, a proud achievement he would highlight to anyone who complimented him on his backyard.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Betty, and his children, David (and Kim) Rogowski, Patricia Rogowski, and Robert Rogowski. His legacy also lives on in his four grandchildren, Eric (and Haley) Rogowski, Amanda (and Cody) Gates, Ryan (and Maddie) Rogowski, Sarah, and great-grandchildren, Rory, Sloane, and Reese. His grandchildren will forever remember his warm smile and quirky sense of humor. He was preceded in death by his parents, Paul and Julia Rogowski, his brother Joseph, and his sisters Theresa and Mary.
A celebration of Marty’s life will be held at Holy Trinity Catholic Church, 13615 W 92nd St, Lenexa, Kansas, on Saturday, December 27, 2025. Family and friends are invited to visit from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m., with Mass beginning at 10:30, followed by a luncheon from 11:30 to 1:30. Marty will be laid to rest during a private family burial on December 30, 2025.
Marty wanted to be remembered for the times when his body was strong, his mind sharp, and his laughter full. If Marty could leave a final message for all who knew him, it would be this: “Never give up, no matter what life and the world tosses at you.”
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in Marty’s honor be made to Blood Cancer United (f/k/a The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society), the Leukemia Research Foundation or the Health Tree Foundation, all or which work to fight Acute Myeloid Leukemia.