Walter M. Rogat

Walter M. Rogat, age 77, of Yankton, South Dakota, died Tuesday, September 30, 2025, at his home while on hospice.

A memorial service will be 11:00 AM on Friday, October 3, 2025, at St. John’s Lutheran Church, in Yankton, South Dakota, with Reverend Steve Weispfennig officiating. Burial will be at a later date. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the memorial service.

Walter M. Rogat was born February 10, 1948, in Norfolk, Nebraska, to Max and Helen (Erickson) Rogat. He grew up in Newman Grove, Nebraska and graduated from Newman Grove High School in 1968. He was drafted into the United States Army to serve during the Vietnam War. He married Karen Wagner on August 1, 1969 and later that year left for his deployment in Korea. He served as a registered postal officer while stationed in Korea and following his honorable discharge moved to Norfolk. While in Norfolk, he worked as a dental tech for Wells Dental Lab, then worked at 3M, and then as a psych tech for Norfolk Regional Center where he worked for 26 years until his retirement. After his retirement, Walt and Karen moved to Yankton, South Dakota where they became members of St. John’s Lutheran Church.

Walt was a sportsman who loved hunting and fishing. He enjoyed telling stories and visiting with his friends. He was a kind and gentle man and loved spending time with his dogs, children and grandchildren.

Survivors include his wife, Karen Rogat of Yankton, South Dakota; two children: K.C. Rogat of Yankton and Eric (Jessica) Rogat of Battle Creek, Nebraska; and three grandchildren: Alexis, Alaina and Bowen.

He was preceded in death by his parents; baby grandson, Max; and brother, Neil.