Roger V. Overocker, 89, Spirit Lake

Services for Roger V. Overocker were held Friday, Oct. 30, 2020, at the United Methodist Church in Spirit Lake. Rev. Vicki Fisher officiated.

Pallbearers were Rich Weimer, Jay Jira, Ted Lowry, Melvin Wernimont, Rick Roghair, Cody Wernimont and Jess Nichols. Honorary bearers were Jennifer Hynek (Chuck), Leah Postma (Ryan), Angela Jager (Jeff), Jacey Jira (Wade Schoenfelder), Kelli Hagedorn (Brandon) and Zane Jira. Interment was in Lakeview Cemetery at Spirit Lake. Turner Jenness Funeral Home assisted with the arrangements.

Roger Vernon Overocker was born on April 6, 1931, in Milford to Vernon and Lena (Tlam) Overocker. He graduated from Milford High School in 1949. He met Joyce Mitchell at the roller skating rink in Arnolds Park and they were united in marriage on March 24, 1951. They were blessed with five daughters. Roger had a sense of pride for his family which was evident by the smile on his face. It was always important to him to attend all of their activities.

Roger was a member of the Spirit Lake United Methodist Church, Spirit Lake Fire Department board, FSA board and other boards. He was a member of a bowling league for many years and at one time bowled at what is now Wesley Place.

He was kindhearted, loving and had a selfless soul. He would do anything for anyone. For many years he enjoyed attending neighborhood gatherings. Roger and Joyce had a wonderful group of friends that got together to play cards and go out to eat for many years.

Roger loved watching all of his kids, grandkids and great-grandkids in their many activities over the years. He was an avid Minnesota Vikings and Twins fan and enjoyed watching them when possible.

Roger grew up a lifelong farmer. He milked dairy cows for 25 years and continued to farm for many years after that. He helped Joyce raise chickens and tend her bountiful garden where he loved to share the produce with family and friends. He enjoyed many Sunday chicken dinners with his family where he sat quietly with his ears listening and never got a word in.

Having the train tracks going through his driveway gave him his passion for trains. He knew the daily schedule and rarely missed it going by. On occasion he would jump on the train and ride with the conductor to Superior, where Joyce would have to go and pick him up. He was privileged to enjoy the “final ride” on the Rock Island train in 2006.

Roger was called to his heavenly home at his farm on Sunday, Oct. 25, 2020, at the age of 89.

Roger is survived by his five daughters: Connie (Rich) Weimer, of Okoboji; Jeanie (Ted) Lowry, of Gardnerville, Nev.; Vickie (Rick) Roghair, of Hartley; Marlys (Jess) Nichols, of Spirit Lake; and Cheryl (Jay) Jira, of Hartford, S.D.; six grandchildren: Jennifer (Chuck) Hynek, of Colbert, Wash.; Angela (Jeff) Jager, of Rock Rapids; Kelli (Brandon) Hagedorn, of Spirit Lake; Leah (Ryan) Postma, of Sheldon; Jacey Jira (Wade Schoenfelder), of Mount Vernon, S.D.; and Zane Jira, of Hartford, S.D.; nine great-grandchildren: Chloe and Connor Hynek, Ella and Emery Jager, Kyler, Kameron, Karsen and Kadeix Hagedorn, and Lydia Postma; a brother, Lyle Overocker, of Milford; and several nieces and nephews, cousins and friends.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Joyce, his parents, sisters, grandparents, in-laws, aunts, uncles, cousins, sister-in-law and brothers-in-law.

Roger was a lifelong Christian and his faith in God was very strong. He will be missed by many.