Alfred Roze

October 2, 1934 - July 9, 2017

Alfred Roze, son of Chris and Vonda Roze, was born October 2, 1934 in Latvia. He received his formal education in Latvian schools. During World War II, Alfred and other members of his family were taken prisoner by the Germans. He spent about a year in one of the Auschwitz concentration camps with his mother and sister. After the war and his release, the Lutheran Church sponsored his travels at age 15 to stay with a family in Axtell, Nebraska. While living in Axtell, Alfred worked on a farm. He later moved to Johnson, Nebraska to do farm work, and then moved to Auburn. In December of 1966, Alfred was married to Betty J. Smith at the Otoe County Courthouse in Nebraska City, Nebraska. They made their home in Auburn, and were blessed with one son, David Dean. After working at various jobs following his farming employment, Alfred began a career at Auburn Machine Works. He worked there even as it transitioned to Auburn Consolidated Industries, retiring at age 69. Alfred was a member of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Auburn. He loved to go fishing, and enjoyed having coffee with friends at various spots in town. Due to health problems, and after a stay at a hospital in Omaha, Alfred moved in with his son and daughter-in-law in LaVista, Nebraska. It was there he passed away, on Sunday, July 9, 2017, having reached the age of 82 years, 9 months, and 7 days. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Betty, sister Ziegrita, brother Lejons, and great-grandson Aidan. Those left to remember Alfred’s winning ways include his son and daughter-in-law David and Shirley Roze of LaVista; grandchildren David Scott Roze, Amanda and husband Nelson Chadwick, and Christine and husband Cecilio Ariza; 7 great-grandchildren; other relatives and friends. A funeral service will be Thursday, July 13, 10:00 a.m. at Hemmingsen Funeral Home in Auburn. Burial will follow in Sheridan West Cemetery near Auburn. Visitation will be at the funeral home Wednesday 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., with family greeting friends 6:00 to 8:00.