Roger Myers

Funeral Service for Roger Myers, 86, of Medora, will be 11:00 a.m. Friday, December 19, 2025 at Badlands Ministries Bible Camp in the Bethlehem Hall, with Pastor Mike Pretzer officiating. Burial will follow at the Medora Cemetery.

Visitation will take place from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Thursday, December 18, 2025 at Stevenson Funeral Home, Dickinson, with a prayer service taking place at 7:00 p.m.

Roger Wayne Myers, age 86, died peacefully on Dec.14, 2025, surrounded by loved ones. The last month of his life was spent on the ranch where he grew up, with much time spent reminiscing while looking out on the Badlands he loved.

Roger was born on December 20, 1938, the son of Lodema & Page Myers. Lodema described him as an "old soul." Even with his impish smile and quick sense of humor, he had a sweet disposition and always tried to do the right thing. He went to elementary through high school in Medora, ND where he played both basketball and football. He graduated as Valedictorian, and went on to earn a B.S. in Social Science from Dickinson State College. He was proud to be a BlueHawk - playing college basketball as well as serving as Student Body President his senior year. His value of higher education drew him to college, but his heart drew him back to the ranch.

Roger was a devoted rancher and a great steward to the land. He was innovative and adopted frequent grazing rotations and brought leafy spurge beetles to the area ahead of his time. He had a passion for riding, roping, fencing and raising quality beef cattle. He claimed that "he never worked a day in his life" because he truly loved what he did. He shared his love of ranch-life with many family and friends, including fortunate grandchildren and nieces and nephews that stayed for months during the summers. He could often be heard singing or whistling while moving cattle and doing chores. His melodies let us know that all was right in the world.

Roger gave back to the community, serving on the Medora School Board & Grazing Association, as well as the church council. He was a man of integrity, with a rare combination of strength and gentleness. Roger was honest, kind, fair, and worked hard doing whatever needed to be done without complaint. He had a positive, good-natured attitude, with a quick smile and quick wit, even as his body began to fail him. It has been special to hear from many that they considered him a role model and looked to him for advice.

Roger had two great loves in his life. He married his high school sweetheart, Peggy, in 1958. They worked and played as a team, raising their 4 children on the ranch where Roger grew up. Their marriage was filled with love, respect, & kindness... the stuff dreams are made of. This must have been true, as he described their life together as "feeling like we both won the lottery." They celebrated their 50th anniversary just months before Peggy lost her battle to cancer in 2009. After Peggy's passing, Roger married Sandy, his "Georgia Peach." They spent 15 glorious retirement years loving & laughing as they traveled, walked, biked, swam in the ocean, played bridge, and watched sports side by side. Sandy often said, "Roger is the sweetest" and by the adoration in his eyes when looking at her you knew the feeling was mutual.

His whole life, Roger worked hard and played hard. He played basketball for 7 decades. He started team roping and golfing in his 40s and downhill skiing in his 50s. As a header who rarely missed, he won and has passed down through the generations several winning saddles, belt buckles, and spurs that will be treasured keepsakes.

Roger was preceded in death by his parents, Page Myers & Lodema (& Herb) Spurgeon; his wife Peggy (Hogoboom) Myers; his siblings Warren, Ramona (Zauner), & Rodney Myers; and his son Curt Myers.

He is survived by his wife Sandy Tjaden; His 3 daughters Karen Rice, Lori Elliott, & Brenda Larsen; His sons-in-law Mark Elliott & Rich Larsen; Grandchildren Jesse (& Angela) Myers, Jordan (& Jesse) Morin, Donovan & Connor Rice, Taylor & Amber Elliott, and Ty, Allie, & Brady Larsen; Great Grandchildren Haiden & Cable Morin; His sister Norma Myers; and Sandy's children and their families, Kim, Joe, Jaden & Josh Nguyen and Kris, Brian, Kye, Cam, & Kade Wesselman.

We are stronger because of the unconditional love he gave and his constant, steadfast presence in our lives.