Roger Meyer, 80, of Volga, passed away on March 2, 2024, at his residence following a courageous battle with lung cancer that spanned over 20 years.
Roger Allen Meyer was born Aug. 31, 1943, in Volga, SD, the son of Henry Otto Meyer and Kathryn (Schonewill) Meyer. He attended the Volga Christian School.
Roger worked at the Volga Creamery until February 1965, when he enlisted in the United States Army. He reported to Fort Benning, GA, and was stationed at Lane Army Airfield, Republic of Vietnam, Chu Lai 1965 – 1966. He trained to be a helicopter mechanic with the Pelicans unit of the 161st Assault Helicopter Company.
After returning home, he began working at Bud’s Motor Clinic. Around 1973 he initiated his career as a diesel mechanic at Osvog Implement in Brookings. He remained with the business after it changed hands and became Farmer’s Implement & Irrigation, as a highly respected, in demand diesel / tractor mechanic.
In 1967, he married Rita Tate in Volga. They had two sons, Trayce and Ryan. Rog was an excellent and attentive father and grandfather. He was ever present for his children. He loved and cherished the time he was able to spend with his grandkids. As a dutiful son, he was always prepared to help his parents until the end. He was unwavering in his resolve to care for them as long as he could. Roger began dating Wanda Hai prior to his cancer journey. They became best friends and spent the remainder of his life together.
As Rog would always say, “Glad you got to see me.”
Survivors include his son, Trayce (Charlotte) Meyer of Bushnell, SD; son, Ryan (Billi Jo) Meyer of Aurora, SD; best friend, Wanda Hai of Lake Campbell. In addition, Wanda’s children, Jason (Christina) Hai of Volga,SD; Travis (Tina) Hai of Harrisburg, SD; Cody (Ashley) Hai of Volga, SD; several grandchildren and one great-grandson.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Henry and Kathryn and brothers-in-law, Larry Brown and Chuck Houtman.
A memorial visitation will be held on Saturday, March 9, at Eidsness Funeral Chapel in Volga from 1 to 3:30 p.m. with a prayer service at 4 p.m. Eidsness Funeral Home is assisting the Meyer family with arrangements.
