Roger Pochop

A celebration of life for Roger Pochop was held Monday, December 13, 2021, at Zion Lutheran Church in Colome, SD, with Pastor Don Windsperger officiating.

Music was provided by Janet Cerv, organist, and Alane Pochop, Tracy Pochop and Carly Pochop were in charge of registration.

Casket bearers were Duane Lunne, Leroy Miller Ferman Hater, Ron Miller, Randy Pechota, and Gene Bertram.

Burial was in the St Paul’s Lutheran Cemetery in Wewela, SD, with military honors conferred by the Colome American Legion and the National Honors Team. Kotrba-Smith Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

Roger was born November 11, 1938, to George and Pauline (Meyers) Pochop. He was the third of four boys: Virgil, Darrel, and Merle.

Roger grew up on a farm in the Colome/Dallas area. He graduated from Colome High School in 1956. After graduation, he began his lifelong career in farming and ranching. After a short period of service in the United States Army, he returned to the farm where he and his wife Jeanne lived until the time of his death. He had four children: Myra (Dan) Stoney, Michael (Tami) Pochop, Sandra Gillespie, and Jamey (Lisa) Stroschine.

Roger’s faith was the most important part of his life; he was baptized and confirmed at Zion Lutheran Church in Colome where he was a lifelong member. He taught Sunday school and served on the church council for many years. Roger was a veteran and was active in the Colome Legion. He was a staunch Republican and was not afraid to let anyone know his opinion. Roger also spent several years working for FSHA measuring grain bins.

Roger Allen Pochop passed away December 8, 2021, at the age of 83, at the Winner Long Term Care Facility.

Roger is survived by his wife Jeanne of 40 years, his four children, their spouses, 13 grandchildren, and a soon to be great-grandchild; brother Merle, sisters-in-law Verna and Margaret; brother and sister-in-law Stan and Connie Bicek, and many nieces and nephews including three special nephews: Donnie Hambek, and Damen and Cory Pochop.

He was preceded in death by his parents, George and Pauline, and two brothers Virgil and Darrel.