Obituary published on Legacy.com by Furness Funeral Home on Jul. 30, 2025.
Roger Nordhus, age 74, of
Clark, SD, died Saturday, April 26, 2025.
A visitation will be held on Sunday, May 4, 2025, at Furness Funeral Home in Clark from 5-7 pm. Funeral services will be held on Monday, May 5, 2025, at 11 am at St. Paul Lutheran Church of Clark with Pastor Jody Peterson officiating. Following burial at Rose Hill Cemetery, a lunch will be served at the church basement.
Roger Earl Nordhus was born to Robert and Lois (Lura) Nordhus in
Clark, South Dakota on December 5, 1950. He and his older sister Janel were raised on the Nordhus farm south of Clark. His love for farming started early, and after he graduated from Clark High School in 1969, he put all his energy into carrying on the Nordhus/Lura farming legacy. His passion for farming was shared with his maternal grandfather, Emil, his uncle Jasper, and his father, Robert. Roger expanded his family's operation by starting Nordhus Feedlot and Clark County Carriers. These ventures, along with Roger's hard work and adaptability, earned him many close friends and acquaintances over the years.
In August of 1985, Roger received his greatest blessing: his daughter Jessica. He was a devoted single father, proudly raising her on the feedlot south of town lovingly referred to as the "Rancho Deluxe." The farms beloved cow, Norman, held the mascot role for the farm for many years.
Roger and Jessica liked doing things together- they loved working on the garden Jess had at the farm. They saw countless musicals together. They also went on a lot of trips, a highlight being a trip to the 2017 National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas with Tim Mehlberg and his daughter Jessica.
Roger always loved hot rods and was able to own some great cars during his life. He played in a band "The Copper Nickels" in his early years. He loved going to concerts, and Neil Diamond, The Beach Boys, and George Strait were his favorites. The South Dakota State Fair was an annual tradition during Jess's years with 4-H. So many great memories.
Roger loved spending time with people, whether it be at a lunch at the Corner Diner or enjoying a Busch Light (or two) with friends at a local establishment. Many hours were spent with Larry Warren, watching sports and Gunsmoke. Tyler Lamb became family when he started working with Roger as a kid and he was proud to see the successful farmer Tyler has become. Roger loved his adventures with Tate and always looked forward to his visits with Tye McGraw. Roger and Rip Mills always managed to find a little mischief. Good memories were made while helping Justin Meier and Eric Meier farm. Whenever Roger needed advice or to figure out why Jessica was mad at him, he would call Justin, knowing he could count on him for IT help and a good laugh. Since Roger's "retirement," he has enjoyed being on the farm and giving a helping hand when needed.
Roger was a lifelong member of the St. Paul Lutheran Church. Roger was honored to participate in so many important life events of friends and family through his singing, often with the support of his sister Janel and accompanist Dorothy Fuller.
More than anything, Roger will be remembered for his kindness, humor, being a friend, and above all, his love for Jessica.
Grateful to have shared his life with him is his daughter Jessica.
Roger was proceeded in death by his parents Lois and Robert, and his sister Janel.
In lieu of flowers, memorials can be dropped off at the Clark Co Extension Office or mailed to Clark County 4-H, PO Box 294,
Clark, SD 57225.
Furness Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.
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