Roger Albert Kortan

Roger Albert Kortan, 73, of Yankton, South Dakota, passed away on May 9th, 2025 at Avera Sacred Heart Hospital in Yankton.

A memorial service will take place at Goglin Funeral Home in Yankton on Monday, May 12, 2025, at 1:30 p.m. with Pastor Dani Jo Bierwagen officiating. A Celebration of Life will follow at Boomer's Lounge in Yankton, SD.

Roger was born on January 5, 1952, in Yankton, South Dakota to Albert and Eileen (Kutilek) Kortan. He grew up in Tabor, South Dakota, where he was a proud Tabor Cardinal, playing football throughout his high school years before graduating in 1970.

In the late 1980s, Roger moved to Lincoln, Nebraska, where he began installing natural gas lines. He found great satisfaction in this career, which allowed him to spend time outdoors, something he always valued.

Roger was known for his quick dry wit and enjoyed socializing over a cold one with family and friends. He was proud of his Czech heritage and loved taking his family to Czech Days in Tabor to soak in the sights and sounds of polka music, dancing, and food—especially his mother and sisters' famous cottage cheese kolaches.

A passionate sports fan, Roger loved cheering on Notre Dame football – never missing a chance to root for the Fighting Irish.

Music played an important role in Roger's life, with Elvis and the Beatles holding special places in his heart. He enjoyed writing his own music on his acoustic guitar in his free time and was singing the oldies with his daughters until the end.

Roger found deep peace knowing that he raised three successful children. The most recent addition to his family, his grandson Waylon Duke, gave him endless joy and encouragement while fighting his illness.

He is survived by his three daughters: Heather Kortan (Grayson Smith) of Seattle, Washington, Emily Kortan of Lincoln, Nebraska, Katie Lane (Dylan) of Lincoln, Nebraska and his grandson, Waylon Duke Lane.

Roger is also survived by siblings: Elaine Vaith of Lesterville, Diane Kortan of Yankton, Richard and Karla Kortan of Tabor, Ron and Karen Kortan of Fremont, NE, and Tim and Ginger Kortan of Yankton.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Eileen and Albert; his step-father, David Kortan and brother-in-law, Kenny Vaith.