Roger Schoon was born on July 23, 1941, to Henry and Lena (Mehlhaff) Schoon on the family farm near Parkston, South Dakota. On January 21, 1960, he married Donna Walter, and together they were blessed with six children: William, Roland, Ronda, Monica, Angela, and Annette.

Roger worked for Marquardt Trucking and Grain while also trying his hand at farming. In 1968, he moved his family to Whitewood, where he began a long career with Wheeler Lumber, retiring from there in 2008. In 1973, the family settled in East Slopes Estates just outside Whitewood, where Roger enjoyed raising pigeons—a hobby that became a lifelong passion. He traveled to several states showing his prize-winning birds and later served as a judge. In 2004, he also earned his Master Breeder Certificate from the American Giant Homer Association. He continued this until 2025, when it became too difficult to manage.

A devoted member of St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, Roger entered eternal rest peacefully at home, surrounded by his family, after a courageous battle with cancer.

Roger will be deeply missed by his wife of 66 years, Donna; his children William (Cindy), Roland (Myrna), Ronda (Harley), Monica (Mark), and Annette (Tim); his 13 grandchildren; and his 14 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his daughter Angela; his parents; his brother Kenny; his sister Dorothy; and his brother Louis.

A memorial gift in honor of Roger Schoon to Shriners Children’s Hospital or St. Jude can be made in lieu of flowers.