Roger Deiter

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Roger R. Deiter, 66, of Faulkton, passed away peacefully, Tuesday, September 19, 2023, at his home. 

Funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m., Monday, September 25, 2023, with Pastor LeShea Avery officiating.  Burial will follow at the Faulkton Cemetery.  A prayer service will be held at 4:00 p.m., Sunday, September 24, 2023, with visitation one hour prior. All services will occur at the Faulkton Area School gymnasium.

Roger Reed Deiter was born January 18, 1957, in Faulkton, SD to Kenneth and Doris (Matter) Deiter. As a young boy his love for farming, ranching, cattle, and horses became evident. He spent hours in a saddle and this pastime earned him the nickname “Johnny Ringo.” Roger’s years as an active 4-H member sparked his passion for livestock and the cattle industry.

Roger graduated from Faulkton High School in 1975. He was a natural and dedicated athlete. He became a lifelong fan of all Trojan activities. Roger never passed up the opportunity to share a personal letter of support with an athlete, lend his time to the fields or facility, and proudly support the valuable lessons taught through sports. After high school, Roger went on to receive his Bachelor of Animal Science degree from South Dakota State University in Brookings. While at SDSU, Roger was a two-year member and part of the 1978 National Champion Collegiate Livestock Judging Team. In the same contest, Roger earned third place in Reasons, unveiling his effortless gift of conveying his thoughts to others. 

Farming and ranching were Roger’s passions in life, and after college he returned to the family farm. He and his brother Doug went on to build the Deiter Brothers partnership.  They spent their days working together, building off each of their strengths and creating an operation to pass on for generations. On September 26, 1981, Roger was united in marriage to Beth Nelson. To this union, two daughters were born, Shauna in 1984 and Chelsea in 1988.  The girls were his world and he taught them much about living life with integrity, sharing your passion and talents with others, the value of friendship, and giving everything possible to ensure a job well done.  He loved being a dad. Watching his girls in the show ring, participating in athletics and music, and spending time as a family brought him joy. The addition of Zach and Adam to the family when the girls married brought Roger much satisfaction and appreciation for the men they were and the strong foundation they built for their families. Roger’s support of Beth, his girls and their families was constant.  He was their rock. Roger and Beth’s marriage was built on mutual respect which never faltered. Roger was able to be the man he was and do the things he did because he had a spouse with unwavering support, confidence, sacrifice and love. 

Roger’s life was one of humility and service. His observant attitude and dedication to others complimented many leadership positions. Roger actively served on the Faulkton Area Medical Center Foundation, Faulkton Area Economic Development Board, and was a Faulk County Commissioner. Roger was active in his church, often behind the scenes. He served as council President during the time Our Savior Lutheran Church established a fundraising project to facilitate a new church building in the year 2000. Roger shared his talents and time to the South Dakota Community Foundation, SD Housing Development Conference and SDSU Judging Teams. Throughout the years, he received many awards and held many offices within these organizations, but one that brought him great pride was the 2018 SD Farmers Union Rural Dakota Pride Award. 

Roger was active in the Chianina Association, serving as Board President and was honored as “Producer of the Year” numerous times. Deiter Brothers were awarded national champions several times and Roger was especially proud in 2005 and 2006 when his daughters were awarded National Grand Champion Chiangus Females in Louisville. 

His most recent passion was grooming the Lakeside Country Club golf course to perfection. Roger spent countless hours doing what he loved for others to enjoy.  

In addition to his love for golf, Roger enjoyed sports at all levels, cheering on the Faulkton Trojans and SDSU Jackrabbits, playing Pinochle in the wintertime, traveling, and spending time with family and friends. He embraced his role as Grandpa Rog wholeheartedly. His patience, fun-loving spirit, and unconditional love will always be cherished. He could be found acting as a buckin’ bronc or a WWE wrestler, reading a book, twirling the girls around on the dance floor, or taking the kids fishing at the pond. His calm and caring demeanor was especially evident when caring for Cruz and Lainey.

Roger’s life will be forever cherished by his wife, Beth; daughters: Shauna (Zach) Remily, Faulkton and Chelsea (Adam) Odden, Faulkton; grandchildren: Landry, Cohen, and Lainey Remily and Scotti, Brooks, and Cruz Odden; siblings: Barb (Bill) Schilder, Faulkton, Doug (Sandy) Deiter, Faulkton, and Dar (Buck) Kolda, Rapid City; mother-in-law, Ramona Nelson; brother-in-law, Scott (Lavone) Nelson; sister-in-law, Monique (Bret) Reed; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Kenneth and Doris Deiter; father-in-law, Milton Nelson; sister-in-law, Sharee Fritzemeier; and numerous aunts and uncles.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial in Roger’s honor has been established at Dacotah Bank in Faulkton. Memorials will be given to organizations that were important to Roger. 

Luce Funeral Home of Faulkton has been entrusted with Roger’s arrangements.