The memorial service for Roger Rook, age 64, of Lemmon, SD, will be held on Tuesday, December 2, 2014 at 11:00 a.m. at the Spencer Memorial Presbyterian Church in Lemmon with Rev. Ed Zimmerman officiating.

Visitation will be from 1:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. followed by a gathering of family and friends at 7:00 p.m. all on Monday, December 1, 2014 at the Evanson Jensen Funeral Home in Lemmon.

Roger Rook was born in Hettinger, ND on September 11, 1950 to Earl 'Harold' Rook and Lois (Wenner) Rook. Roger was the youngest of five boys. He graduated from Lemmon High school in 1968.
For over 40 years, Roger and Kathy's love flourished and was contagious to those who knew them. Turned into one another's deepest thoughts, fears, and desires, these emotions reached into the couples' soul; they acted as one. Roger united in marriage to Kathy Masters on July 11, 1970 in Lemmon, SD. They loved each other every minute of every day. It is a marriage to be marked in the books. Roger and Kathy blessed each other with one daughter, Richelle Renee.


Roger was an outstanding athlete. He was known throughout the area as a great baseball pitcher. He then became a part of the Lemmon Slow Pitch Softball Team that won the state championships in 1979. Roger played on the traveling softball team and men's basketball league for years. Along the road, he was known for his excellent bowling skills; evermore, bowling in many national tournaments. He was always an avid golfer, winning numerous tournaments over the years. Along with accomplishing a hole-in-one! That was truly his game of all.

His greatest joy was spending time with his family. Roger and Kathy have been known to circle the state in a weekend to watch his grandkids' along with nieces and nephews sporting events and passions. Roger was also a major supporter of Pierre and Lemmon High School sports. He could be heard throughout the gym "cheering" at the refs.

Roger had a passion for the outdoors. He was a devoted hunter and fisherman. He enjoyed teaching his grandkids, nieces, and nephews to enjoy the outdoors like he did. Along with the outdoors were the Rook Family Reunions. Russell and Roger were known to "Stir the Pot" at these family reunions. Over the years he "dumped" a kid or two off the tube.

In January of 2013 Roger was diagnosed with Pulmonary Fibrosis. He put up a long, strong fight with loved ones by his side. He passed away Friday, November 28, 2014 at West River Regional Medical Center in Hettinger ND.

Roger is survived by his wife, Kathy Rook of Lemmon, SD; daughter, Richelle (Devin) Harris and 3 grandkids, Sterling, Blaux, and Lexy of Pierre, SD; one brother, Russell (Sheila) Rook of Aberdeen, SD; special niece, Carla (Jeff) Sackmann and 4 great nieces and nephews, Joe, Kristina, Josh and Katie of Lemmon, SD; three sisters-in-law, LaVonne Rook of Roundup, MT, Aldene Rook of Rapid City, SD, and Peggy Rook of Brandon, SD; and four brothers-in-law, Kenny (Julie) Masters of Cheyenne, WY, Keith Masters of Tacoma, WA, Lyle Masters and family of Rapid City, SD, and Todd Masters of Rapid City, SD; along with numerous nieces and nephews.

Roger was preceded in death by his parents, Harold and Lois; three brothers, Ed, Clarence and Norman; his mother-in-law, Loretta Jones, and father-in-law, Richard Masters; along with his granddaughter, Amanda D. Harris.