Obituary for Roger George Ferguson
Roger G. Ferguson, age 87, 41-year resident of Sleepy Hollow, passed away on Monday, December 19, 2022, at the Bickford of Crystal Lake. Beloved husband of Barbara (Selewski); loving father of Joseph Ferguson, and Elizabeth (Scott) Hartzog; proud Poppa of: Christopher (Marisa) Hartzog, Hannah Ferguson, Gregory Hartzog, William Hartzog, Brynn Ferguson, Gage Ferguson, and Emerson Hartzog. Other survivors include his sister, Janet Fosmire, his nephew, Eric (Donna) Fosmire, as well as many good and countless friends.
Roger was born in Elizabeth, New Jersey on November 29, 1935, and was the son of the late George E. & Helen (nee McMahon) Ferguson. Roger was a graduate of New York University in 1958, with a Bachelor’s Degree in Economics. While at NYU, Roger was a member of ROTC. Upon graduation, he entered the United States Air Force as a Second Lieutenant. After rigorous navigation training, he was assigned to the Strategic Air Command B52 Wing in Wichita Falls, Texas. During the Cuban Missile Crisis in 1962, Captain Ferguson’s crew played a crucial role in the Chrome Dome 24-hour flight missions. Following his service in the military, Roger began his career with Chrysler Motors (while remaining a member of Air Force Reserves, serving in Air-Sea Rescue operations). After the Tet Offensive, he was recalled into active duty, serving in such diverse locations such as Iceland, Libya, Guam, and Japan during the Vietnam War.
Following his time in the United States Air Force, his love of flight led Roger to begin his career with the Federal Aviation Administration as an air traffic controller in Michigan and Ohio, later becoming an Instructor at the FAA Academy in Oklahoma. In 1981, he moved to Sleepy Hollow, Illinois. As an Airspace Specialist in the Midwest regional office for the next 16 years, he had the responsibility of evaluating and securing airspace safety standards for several midwestern states. He retired in January of 1997 after 32 years of federal service.
He enjoyed war movies/documentaries, books by Tom Clancy, and Monty Python humor. He delighted in time spent at a cottage in Wisconsin, a condo in Florida, or visiting family in Nova Scotia. His pleasures were falling asleep in his recliner, eating a good meal, and the “occasional” sweet treat. He loved God, his country, and, most of all, being with his family. He will be sorely missed and always fondly remembered.
He was a member of St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Church in West Dundee, a member of Siena Council Knights of Columbus # 8596, as well as a member of the LITH American Legion Post #1231.
Visitation will be held at Miller Funeral Home in West Dundee on Tuesday, December 27, 2022, from 4:00 P.M.-8:00 P.M. and again on Wednesday, December 28, 2022 morning at St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Church in West Dundee from 10:00 A.M. until the time of the Funeral Mass, which is at 11:00 A.M., with Rev. John McNamara, Pastor officiating.
Private burial will be held at Mount Kelly Cemetery in Dearborn, Michigan at a future date. Please omit flowers. Memorials may be made either to the Boys & Girls Club of Dundee Township at: 20 S. Grove Suite # 201, Carpentersville, IL. 60110 or Summit School at: Outreach office 333 W. River Road, Elgin, IL 60123.
To leave an online condolence, please visit www.millerfuneralhomedundee.com For information, please call 847-426-3436.
Roger was born in Elizabeth, New Jersey on November 29, 1935, and was the son of the late George E. & Helen (nee McMahon) Ferguson. Roger was a graduate of New York University in 1958, with a Bachelor’s Degree in Economics. While at NYU, Roger was a member of ROTC. Upon graduation, he entered the United States Air Force as a Second Lieutenant. After rigorous navigation training, he was assigned to the Strategic Air Command B52 Wing in Wichita Falls, Texas. During the Cuban Missile Crisis in 1962, Captain Ferguson’s crew played a crucial role in the Chrome Dome 24-hour flight missions. Following his service in the military, Roger began his career with Chrysler Motors (while remaining a member of Air Force Reserves, serving in Air-Sea Rescue operations). After the Tet Offensive, he was recalled into active duty, serving in such diverse locations such as Iceland, Libya, Guam, and Japan during the Vietnam War.
Following his time in the United States Air Force, his love of flight led Roger to begin his career with the Federal Aviation Administration as an air traffic controller in Michigan and Ohio, later becoming an Instructor at the FAA Academy in Oklahoma. In 1981, he moved to Sleepy Hollow, Illinois. As an Airspace Specialist in the Midwest regional office for the next 16 years, he had the responsibility of evaluating and securing airspace safety standards for several midwestern states. He retired in January of 1997 after 32 years of federal service.
He enjoyed war movies/documentaries, books by Tom Clancy, and Monty Python humor. He delighted in time spent at a cottage in Wisconsin, a condo in Florida, or visiting family in Nova Scotia. His pleasures were falling asleep in his recliner, eating a good meal, and the “occasional” sweet treat. He loved God, his country, and, most of all, being with his family. He will be sorely missed and always fondly remembered.
He was a member of St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Church in West Dundee, a member of Siena Council Knights of Columbus # 8596, as well as a member of the LITH American Legion Post #1231.
Visitation will be held at Miller Funeral Home in West Dundee on Tuesday, December 27, 2022, from 4:00 P.M.-8:00 P.M. and again on Wednesday, December 28, 2022 morning at St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Church in West Dundee from 10:00 A.M. until the time of the Funeral Mass, which is at 11:00 A.M., with Rev. John McNamara, Pastor officiating.
Private burial will be held at Mount Kelly Cemetery in Dearborn, Michigan at a future date. Please omit flowers. Memorials may be made either to the Boys & Girls Club of Dundee Township at: 20 S. Grove Suite # 201, Carpentersville, IL. 60110 or Summit School at: Outreach office 333 W. River Road, Elgin, IL 60123.
To leave an online condolence, please visit www.millerfuneralhomedundee.com For information, please call 847-426-3436.