Roger Allen Meyer  August 31, 1943 – March 2, 2024

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 August 31, 1943, in Volga, SD, the son of Henry Otto Meyer & 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.

Upon first meeting Rog you would find he was a man of many colorful words.  Once you got to know him you would realize that his brusque exterior did not match his generosity and kindness.  You simply had a genuine, honest, loyal and trusted friend.  Rog was very social with the gift for gab.  He always had a story or "dad joke" to share.

Word on the street was he was a really good card player.  Just when you thought you had him licked, you found out you were wrong.  He often spoke of his card playing "buddies".  If you were part of the group, congratulations.  You knew a "one of a kind."

Rog liked fast cars and taking spontaneous, long road trips.  If you had any piece of equipment with a motor, Rog could probably fix it.  He was a fountain of knowledge concerning old vehicles.  His keen eye was always on the lookout for vehicles in shelterbelts and Rog enjoyed negotiating to get the best deal.

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.  One brother James (Paula) Meyer of Brookings, SD;

three sisters, Karen Houtman of Canby, MN; Shirleen Brown of Highland, IN and Vonda (John) Lohan of Watertown, SD.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Henry & Kathryn and brothers-in-law, Larry Brown & Chuck Houtman.

A memorial visitation will be held on Saturday, March 9, 2024, at Eidsness Funeral Chapel in Volga from 1:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. with a prayer service at 4:00 p.m.