Roger Joachim

Larchwood, IA

Roger Joachim, age 78 of Larchwood, IA, passed away on Friday, January 16, 2026, in Apache Junction, AZ.

A memorial mass will be held at 10:30 AM Saturday January 31, 2026, at The Church of Saint Mary in Larchwood, IA, with Monsignor Kenneth A. Seifried as celebrant. A time of fellowship will follow the service in the church parish hall. Jurrens Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Roger Francis Joachim was born November 18, 1947, in Sioux Falls, SD, the son of Francis and Erika (Jerentowski) Joachim. He grew up in Montrose, SD and graduated from Montrose High School in 1966. He entered the U.S. Army on June 19, 1967, where he served his country with distinction in Vietnam. He received his honorable discharge on January 21, 1970, having attained the rank of Sergeant. Upon returning home, he moved to Larchwood, IA to be near his family.

Roger was united in marriage to Donna Underberg on March 30, 1974. Three children were blessed to this union, Rob, Kevin and Jen. Committed to their faith, Roger and Donna renewed their vows on December 24, 1991, at The Church of St. Mary.

Roger dedicated 38 years to the Burlington Northern Railroad, serving as a Track Inspector and later as a Foreman until he retired in 2008. A proud patriot and community member, Roger was a member of The Church of St. Mary, the VFW Post No. 3164 of Canton, SD, and Flessner American Legion Post No. 561 of Larchwood.

Roger had a zest for the outdoors enjoying golf, hunting, races, but he was happiest when fishing and camping with family at North Wheeler. He was a constant presence at his grandchildren’s activities and recently discovered a passion for woodworking in his shop. For the last seven years, Roger and Donna enjoyed winters in Apache Junction, AZ, where they spent many happy hours trail riding in their side-by-side with friends.

Known for always having a toothpick in his mouth and a quick, funny sense of humor, Roger was a man who lived for his family. He was a Sergeant, a husband, and a father, but he was perhaps most proud of being a "Grandpa" and, recently, a "Great-Grandpa."

Roger is survived by his wife of 51 years, Donna Joachim of Larchwood, IA; three children, Rob Joachim (Julia Travis) of Canton, SD, Kevin (Julie) Joachim of Larchwood, IA, and Jen (Mark) Schemmel of Larchwood, IA; six grandchildren, Beth Gustner (Maverick Iverson), Emily Joachim, Cole (Lara) Joachim, Rachael Joachim, Jacob Schemmel, and Erika Schemmel; one great-grandchild, Maddox Ivarson; one sister, Cheryl (Ken) Kramer of Larchwood. IA; one brother, Jerry (Sharon) Joachim Alcester, SD; two sisters-in law, Joan Lottman of Larchwood, IA and Janet Van Den Hul of Harrisburg, SD; two brothers-in-law, John (Nancy) Underberg of Tea, SD, and Joe (Jackie) Underberg of Harrisburg, SD; and many nieces, nephews and other extended family.

He was proceeded in death by his parents, Francis and Erika Joachim; parents-in-law, Andrew and Suzanne Underberg; two brothers-in-law, Rollo Lottman and George Van Den Hul; and dear to the family's hearts, Kali Snow Travis.