Roger Venjohn

Roger John Venjohn, 75, of Vayland, SD, passed away Thursday, March 8, 2018 at his home.

Funeral Mass was held at 10:30 a.m., Wednesday, March 14, 2018 at St. Ann's Catholic Church, Miller with Father Paul T. Josten, celebrant. Burial followed at Mount Calvary Cemetery, Polo with military honors. Visitation was held from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., Tuesday, March 13, 2018 with a 7:00 p.m. rosary and prayer service, all at the church.

Roger was born to Wilbert Xavier and Dorine Gertrude (Schaefers) Venjohn on November 28, 1942 in Faulkton, South Dakota. He grew up on the family farm South of Polo, attending St. Liborius Church and Catholic School, until he graduated 8th Grade. After graduation he began his life working for Ralph Wernsmann and helping on the family farm.

Roger was a Field Wireman with the South Dakota National Guard and was noted as an expert marksman. Roger married Sharlene Mary Eschenbaum on September 30, 1966 and to this 27-year union were born four children: Timothy, Tammy, Todd and Tonja. Shortly after, he began work with a construction crew building Hwy 14, moving to Ellendale, MN. Once that project ended he began work at a local butter factory. Since he continued serving monthly with the Miller NG Unit, that brought them back to the Miller, Ree Heights, St. Lawrence area. After moving back he found employment with Sheldon Holt, Ree Heights Implement, Joe Beaner Trucking and Miller Fencing. While living in St. Lawrence, his love of collecting iron began. This also marked the beginning of a 30 year career with REA (Dakota Energy). Roger’s strong work ethic showed as he continued to serve as a linesman and began a small family farm NW of Miller. This was when Venjohn Wrecking and Salvage was established and the collection grew (and grew and grew…) to include iron, cars, implements, etc. Roger and the family moved to Vayland in October 1982, where he continued with his passion for salvage and restoration. Roger and Sharlene took separate paths in 1993 but were able to keep open lines of communication because of the love of their children.

Roger was blessed to find love again and married Lora B. Karinen on March 16, 1995. With this union he gained two stepdaughters: Jamie and Jessica. Roger and Lora were days away from celebrating their 23rd wedding anniversary. During this time Roger’s faith life grew along with his ‘hobbies’. Roger and Lora found themselves with a new business; Building Moving. Oh, the adventures and stories this brought! Roger took great pride in repurposing the Greenleaf Church into a guesthouse for all the friends and family to come stay. They also enjoyed attending area auctions, car and implement shows, community gatherings or fundraisers. Roger was always happy to help neighbors or offer advice to anyone who needed it, he enjoyed connecting with people, playing cards, laughing and sharing stories. Roger continually worked on various projects and could be found tinkering around the yard, as he was a jack of all trades.  Throughout Roger’s life, he was not held back by a genetic heart condition but instead was always making new plans and was an optimist for the future.

His life motto was to work hard and to make the best of any and all circumstances. He will be sorely missed by his large family and countless friends.

Roger is survived by his wife, Lora; children: Tim (Marjean) Venjohn & children: Victor, John & Lauren of Whispering, Tammy (John) Mewes & children: Paxton, Morgan, Jordyn & Colton, Todd (Tina) Venjohn & children: Kristina & Kayla, and Tonja (Steve) Jessen & children: Gideon, Velvet, Letha & Ervin; stepchildren: Jamie (Bryan) Brost & child: Allison of Canistota, SD, and Jessica (Dan) Mertz & children: Zachary, Gabrielle, & Isabelle; 10 siblings: Marilyn Hanson, Cil (Les) Larson, Ron (Kathy) Venjohn, Diane Venjohn, Phyllis (Gary) Yearous, Miller, Gary Venjohn, Mesa, AZ; Jim (Nina) Venjohn, Ray (Yuri) Venjohn; Dan Venjohn; & Dave (Kelli) Venjohn; sister-in-law, Deb Venjohn; 27 nieces and nephews; and other extended family and friends.

Roger joined the saints and those who have passed before him. He is preceded in death by his parents, Dorine and Wilbert Venjohn; brother, Patrick Venjohn; and sister-in-law Vicki Venjohn.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred.

Reck Funeral Home of Miller has been entrusted with Roger's arrangements.