Roger Salyers

Roger Salyers, 72 of Malvern, IA, passed away at his home on Tuesday, September 10, 2024.

~ Celebration of Life Gathering will be held from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, September 29, 2024 at the Charles E. and Florence M. Lakin Community Center in Malvern.
~ Graveside Service will be held at 4:00 p.m. following the visitation.

Loess Hills Funeral Home in Malvern is caring for Roger and his family.

Memorials: In lieu of flowers, memorials are directed to the family for future designation within the local community.

OBITUARY
Roger John Salyers, 72 of Malvern, IA, passed away at his home, with his wife and kids at his side, on September 10, 2024.

Roger was born on February 25, 1952 in Council Bluffs, IA, the youngest of two sons of Thomas Edward and Cleta Ruth (McClurg) Salyers. He grew up in Malvern, graduating from the Malvern Community High School with the class of 1970. Roger attended Morningside College in Sioux City, IA, where he received his Bachelor’s Degree in Physical Education with a minor in business education. He taught PE for Council Bluffs Community Schools, spending most of his years at Gunn Elementary School and coached junior high girls’ basketball.

Roger and Barbara Jean Dykstra were united in marriage on June 1, 1974 at the First Presbyterian Church in Jackson, MN. They were blessed with three children, Katie, Jonathan, and Kristi.

Roger loved spending time outdoors. An avid hunter, he enjoyed spending time in his deer stand and often reminded Barb that the only deer season he missed was in 1978, when his first daughter was born on opening day. Roger loved watching his children and grandchildren play sports. He was always in the stands to cheer them on. Roger enjoyed golfing and taught his children to enjoy it too. In the summer, he was often found on a lawn mower at Fairview Country Club and Tregaron Golf Course. In the winter, he spent time woodworking and restoring old cars with his dad. There wasn’t a project he couldn’t figure out how to fix. Roger was a lifetime member of the Malvern United Methodist Church. He was an Eagle Scout and talked often of his trip to Philmont Scout Ranch. His love for camping was shared with his family during the many summers spent camping at Okoboji. In later years, he and Barb split their time between Malvern and their lake house on Little Spirit Lake. Roger could often be found sitting in his favorite spot on the deck, fishing with his grandchildren, and watching the wildlife and beautiful sunsets over the lake. Roger loved being with his family, who were his pride and joy. He was a wonderful son, brother, husband, dad, grandpa, and a good friend to all who knew him.

Roger was preceded in death by his parents, Tommy and Cleta.

Roger is survived by his beloved wife of 50 years, Barb Salyers of Malvern; children, Katie Santee and
husband James of Papillion, NE, Jonathan Salyers and wife Stacy of Glenwood, IA, and Kristi Bicknell and husband Richard of Omaha, NE; granddaughters, Natalie, Allison, and Heidi Salyers; brother, Randy Salyers and wife Marti of Council Bluffs, IA; brothers-in-law, Jerry Dykstra and wife Sandy of Troy, MI, and Robert Dykstra and wife Molly of Princeton, NJ; other relatives; and many friends.