Roger Allan Semplak, son of Ralph A. and Ruth H. Semplak, passed away peacefully at Gettysburg hospital on November 21, 2025, after a brief but courageous battle with cancer. He was 76 years old.
Raised in Shrewsbury, New Jersey, Roger graduated from Red Bank High School, earned a bachelor’s degree in history from Monmouth College, and later received his MBA from Avery University.
He devoted his career to serving his country as a hardware and software development quality assurance specialist for the Department of Defense, retiring from the Federal Government after a distinguished career.
Roger is survived by his loving wife, Linn Wichowski, his children Bethany Stover (George Cano) and Mathew Chrestman (Carolyn Chrestman), his grandchildren Jacob Stover (Hannah Ward), Jackson Colon (Emma McBride), Mallory, Nathan, and Elliott Chrestman, and his beloved dogs Winston and Gracie.
A patriot at heart, Roger put down roots in Gettysburg in 2008. He was a devoted member of St. John Lutheran Church in Fairfield, PA. He also volunteered as the inventory manager for Ruth’s Harvest – Fairfield.
His passions were many: woodworking with antique tools, gardening, playing the banjo, and collecting antiques. He was an avid reader with an extensive cataloged library of Civil War histories, and he delighted in coffee—especially Dunkin Donuts.
Known for his humor and quirks—his devotion to dogs, handkerchiefs, and his role as Linn’s “Sherpa” for her glass art projects—Roger lived life with authenticity and joy.
He will be remembered as a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend. His legacy of love, service, and character will endure in the hearts of his family and community.
A Memorial Service for Roger will be held 11 a.m., Saturday, December 6, 2025 at St. John Lutheran Church, 13 West Main St., Fairfield, PA with Pastor Wayne Gallipo officiating.
The family will receive friends from 10 a.m. until the time of the service Saturday at the church.
The Monahan Funeral Home is assisting the family with funeral arrangements and online condolences may be made at the funeral home’s website.
In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorial contributions be made to Ruth’s Harvest-Fairfield, 13 East Main Street, Fairfield; St. John Lutheran Church, Fairfield or the Adams County SPCA.
