Roger Kuecker

Roger W. Kuecker, 84, of Webster, passed away Saturday, November 30, 2024, at Bethesda Home in Webster.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 am Saturday, December 7, 2024, at Christ the King Catholic Church in Webster. Interment will be at St. Otto's Catholic Cemetery, Webster.

Visitation will be 5-7 pm Friday, December 6, 2024, with a 6:30 pm Rosary Service at the funeral home. 

Roger William Kuecker was born on March 6, 1940, to Edwin Sr. and Lillian (Erickson) Kuecker at Webster, South Dakota. He was baptized and confirmed at the United Methodist Church in Webster. He attended country school near the family home through the eighth grade and graduated from Webster High School in 1957. After high school he attended South Dakota State University for a year and returned to Webster.

On December 26, 1959, he was united in marriage to Carol “Tudy” Wattier at St. Otto’s Catholic Church in Webster. To this union three children were born, Kathy, Kim, and John. Tudy was the love of his life and would have been 65 years of marriage on December 26, 2024. In 1960, the couple owned and operated Roger’s Café for the next couple of years.

In 1962, they moved to Sioux Falls where Roger was employed by Wright Tree Service and was later relocated within the company to their Faribault, Minnesota location. The family then moved to Oskaloosa, Iowa; Cedar Rapids, Iowa and Sioux City, Iowa, where Roger was employed by Sun Oil Company (SONOCO). Upon leaving Sioux City, Iowa, Roger took the opportunity to purchase a service station and bulk plant in Storm Lake, Iowa which they owned and operated until 1987. In 1987, Roger took a career change as he went into Tire Sales for Firestone and then Graham Tire/Goodyear Tire in Storm Lake, IA where he worked until retirement in 2008. Upon retirement the couple returned to Webster. In retirement, Roger couldn’t sit still! He took some “hobby” jobs in town at the post office and Northside Implement to keep busy. 

Roger was a member of Christ the King Catholic Church. Over the years he was PTA President, member of the Optimist Club, Toastmasters, and Jaycees. He enjoyed gardening, golfing, fishing, woodworking (to which he would build beautiful Christmas gifts for his children and grandchildren), singing, and a good game of Farkle with his wife or Cribbage with his family. Fishing and gardening became his great entertainment outside of his odd jobs. Roger loved nothing more than taking his grandkids and great grandkids out fishing or golfing. Puzzles were a Wintertime favorite as he always had one set up on the dining room table. Roger was a handyman of all trades. He and Tudy bought several homes where Roger remodeled the entire house from kitchens to bathrooms, to building decks and garages. Outside help was never needed when it came to fixing a car, or a home project. Roger loved his family deeply and never passed up an opportunity to give his grandkids and great grandkids a "squeeze" when they stopped by. 

Roger passed away Saturday November 30, 2024, at Webster, South Dakota at the age of 84 years, 8 months, and 24 days.

He will be forever loved and greatly missed by his wife Carol “Tudy” of Webster, SD, daughter Kim (Ira) Rippatoe of Sioux City, IA, and John (Laura) Kuecker of Webster, SD, eight grandchildren, and 17 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by sister Betty (Jim) Glosimodt of Watertown, SD, sisters-in-law; Shirley Kuecker of Webster, SD, Deb Kuecker of Webster, SD, and Evy Kuecker of Kearney, NE, as well as many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, daughter Kathy (Jay) Cranston, siblings Edwin Jr. (Mary) Kuecker, Maryann (Alvin) Olson, Charles (Molly) Kuecker, John Kuecker, Paul Kuecker, and David Kuecker.