Roger Herrera

Roger Oliverio Herrera
Our dear Dad and Grandpa passed away on October 19, 2022, reuniting with his beloved wife, Rose, on their 59th wedding anniversary.
Roger Oliverio Herrera was born on March 12, 1938, in Upper Ranchitos Taos, New Mexico, to Elionor and Lucia Herrera. Roger had fond memories of his upbringing, living next to his grandparents' farm where he and his siblings helped with harvesting the land and milking the cows. Despite the hardships his family endured, he often reminisced over the tranquility of his childhood, fishing, and swimming in the nearby river, and playing until dark.
In 1957, Roger began his military career with the New Mexico National Guard. Shortly thereafter in 1958, he enlisted with the US Navy, where he served as a radioman on the USS Paul Revere and later extended his service during the Berlin crisis. He subsequently enlisted in the Utah National Guard and then the Navy Reserves. He eventually retired from the military after 21 years of service.
While on leave in Taos in the summer of 1960, Roger met Rose - the love of his life. They dated and then, in his words, "the romance began." They married in 1963, moved to Utah and eventually settled in Tooele, UT. Together, they raised seven beautiful children (six daughters and one son).
Throughout his life, Sunday mass was not to be missed. Even while in the Navy and serving out at sea, he was a regular at onboard ship Sunday services. After settling in Utah, he and his family became members of St. Marguerite Catholic Church, where he served on the Parish Council for 14 years, as an usher for 20 years, and the Men's Club for 30 years. Roger was a faithful, well-respected parishioner.
Family was everything to Roger. Years ago, he started a daily ritual of sending out a very early 5:00 am morning text to all his daughters, sons-in-law, and grandchildren calling the distribution list "La Familia Grande." In his texts, he provided a daily local weather update and his plans for the day, inviting everyone else to do the same – his way of making sure everyone stayed in touch and connected. Those morning texts will forever be missed!
Roger was known for his charm and sense of humor. When asked how he was doing, the typical response was "lukewarm and kicking." He was known for his gardening too, sharing the abundance of produce with family, friends, and neighbors. We will miss his cucumbers, peas, and peaches!
Roger is preceded in death by his son Raymond and his beloved wife, Rose. He is also preceded in death by his parents, and siblings, Alex, Ida, George, Elias, Raymond, Dan, and Irene. He is survived by his children, Rebecca Medina, Theresa Schertz (Neal), Laura Trujillo (Matt), Edith Linda Herrera (Julio Garcia), Lucie Herrera, DeeAnn Tran (Dzung). He was blessed with 12 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren and 2 great-great grandsons.
A special thank you to Father Rafael Ventura and Father Ken Vialpando for their friendship, spiritual guidance, and prayers.
A heartfelt appreciation goes to Our House and Harmony Home Health and Hospice for their services and support.
Funeral services will be held at St. Marguerite Catholic Church on Monday, October 24th, commencing with a rosary prayer at 10:30 a.m., followed by mass at 11:00 a.m. Burial service will be held at Tooele Cemetery following mass.
"La vida es como un sueño y la muerta a despertar"
"Life is like a dream and to die is to awaken"