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Roger Triemstra Obituary
Roger L. Triemstra
MUNSTER, IN - Roger L. Triemstra, age 92, of Munster, IN, formerly of South Holland, IL, passed away peacefully Friday, November 4, 2022. Beloved husband for 73 years of the late Geraldine "Gerrie" Triemstra, nee Porter. Loving father of Patti (Rick) Powell, Carl (Faith) Triemstra, Cheri Triemstra, and Dean Triemstra. Cherished grandfather of Joshua (Sarah) Powell, Aaron (Leah) Powell, Kaitlyn Powell, Rachel (Brian) Bardolph, Justin (Rachel) Triemstra, Meghan Terpstra, Zachary (Veronica Marziani) Terpstra, Griffin (Tiffany) Terpstra, Jakob Triemstra, and Lillian Triemstra; great-grandfather of Walter, Nadine, Henry, Sydney, Christian, Clara, Lucas, Calvin, Peter, Emma, Isabelle, Adrianna, Daniella, Grace, Jessa, Leo, Stella and Willa. Dear brother of the late Esther (late Harry) Lagestee, late Helen (late Edward) Klompmaker, late Ruth (late George) Daehn, and the late Emily (late Michael) Van Zuidam. Uncle and great-uncle of several nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by three grandchildren: Late Adam Powell, late Kathryn Powell, and the late Bethany Powell; and by his parents, Jacob and Lena Triemstra.
Roger was a WGN meteorologist from 1965 until his retirement in 1998. He was one of Chicagoland's most trusted radio and television personalities, delivering 50-plus forecasts and updates on Chicago's ever-changing weather patterns per week. Roger was respected for the science he applied to his weather reports, but listeners and viewers also loved his folksy and friendly way, and his hilarious observations of life as he bantered with his on-air colleagues.
With degrees in engineering from the Illinois Institute of Technology, he was presented with the opportunity to serve as a meteorologist for the Strategic Air Command in the U.S. Air Force during the early years of the Cold War. After three years of guiding U.S. warplanes around the world from a command center in Ohio -- during which time he also married and started a family -- Roger chose to return to civilian life in Chicago. Engineering jobs at Standard Oil and Amoco Chemical awaited his return from the service, and ten years later he moved to an engineering management position at Kaiser Aluminum and Chemical in Dolton, IL.
Roger's love of climate and weather were always with him, and while in the corporate world, his military forecasting experience led him to fill-in roles on ABC-7 and Channel 9, and eventually to the lead forecaster job at WGN.
Roger became an author at the age of 90 when writing a book entitled "Cooler by the Lake". Roger was loved by many and will be dearly missed.
Visitation Friday, November 11, 2022 from 3:00 – 8:00 p.m. at SMITS FUNERAL HOME, 2121 Pleasant Springs Lane, Dyer, IN. Funeral service Saturday, November 12, 2022, at 11:00 a.m. at Bethel Christian Reformed Church 3500 Glenwood-Lansing Road Lansing, IL. Interment Monday, November 14, 2022 at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery – Elwood, IL. Memorial contributions may be given in Roger's memory to Chicagoland Prison Outreach at www.cpoministires.org. For further information, please call 219-322-7300 or visit our online obituary and guestbook at www.SMITSFH.com
Memories and Condolences
for Roger Triemstra
Laurie Norris
November 12, 2022
It was a pleasure knowing Roger and his family for many years. A very special guy who was a special friend to my parents going all the way back to them graduating high school together. He will be missed with his special sense of humor at Hartsfield keeping everyone on their toes. A very special member of the WGN Team and will be missed as a great friend to all of them. God Bless to a Special kinda guy.
Mark Matz
November 10, 2022
Roger was a treasured member of our WGN Family whose wit, humor and experience will be missed by so many. We were very fortunate to have known with him over the years working at Bradley Place and the Tribune Tower. My deepest condolences to all his family and friends.
Carol Ann BLISS
November 8, 2022
Rest in peace with your beloved Geraldine. Until we meet again
greg siefert
November 8, 2022
I met Roger in the 70's when I worked a second job broadcasting high school sports at WLNR FM radio in Lansing where he also worked . Personable and a funny guy . At one station Christmas party I sat at the same table , and he had all of us in stitches . Condolences to the family .
Vincent Alspach
November 8, 2022
Roger was always a trusted voice on WGN. Remember when Bob Collins pulled a prank on Roger. Roger would go for a walk at a shopping mall. Bob got a couple of Victoria Secret employees to wait outside the store and pull Roger into the store during his normal mall walk. Because it happen to Roger, it was always funny how friends could pull good-hearted pranks on friends. Rest in peace Roger.
Ken Reilly
November 8, 2022
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow. I would listen to Roger in the morning going to work, heard him and Bob Collins talking about Michigan peaches and pit spiting contest. Good times! RIP ROGER.
Wayne and Barbara Vriesman
November 8, 2022
Our very deepest sympathy to the Triemstra family in the loss of a very special friend of ours. Sending you our love, encouragement and prayers.
Will Broertjes
November 7, 2022
We have many fond memories having sunday night singiing get together and saturdays at clear lake when the kids were small. We loved Rog and Gerri.
Nancy S Reynolds
November 6, 2022
I never got to meet Mr. T. (as i came to call him). His son, Dean and my daughter Niki are together in Huntersville, NC. I wrote to Mr. T. after his beloved wife passed away. They were married for so many years and spent a lifetime together that there had to be big hole left in his heart. Anyway I wrote him several times and sent him a couple of cards of encouragement and he was always in my prayers. He sent one of his books to me by Dean and I thoroughly enjoyed reading it and learning more about him. He was an amazing person and lead a wonderfully full life. To the Triemstra family I offer my sincere condolences for the loss of your patriarch. May God continue to bless each of you and give you strength and peace during this time of grieving.
Sincerely,
Nancy Reynolds
Cheryl Arvio
November 6, 2022
I was an intern for the WGN afternoon news in the ‘80s. Roger was the meteorologist on that show and was always a pleasure to work with. Condolences to the family on his passing.
Nancy Henderson
November 5, 2022
My condolences to family and friends of this wonderful man who will be remembered as among the most talented, dedicated, skillful and caring members of the WGN Family. A true gentleman and first class act in the broadcast industry as well as a role model for me during my years working in the WGN-Television Production Dept.
Rest in peace dear Roger.
Nancy (formerly Toepke) Henderson
Winnetka, IL & Hendersonville, NC
Cynthia Kamstra
November 5, 2022
Sending sincere condolences and comforting thoughts to your family.
Kate Schultz
November 5, 2022
Dear family
Many many morning listening to this dear man on WGN. A long and blessed life.
My husband ran into him just two years ago getting his hair cut in Highland.
He has indeed lived, loved and did his very best on this earth.
Kathleen and Walter Schultz
Schererville, Indiana.
Nancy Center
November 5, 2022
I remember Mr. Triemstra very well. I've been watching Ch9 since the late '60's and I can only hope he and Harry Volkman are together again, talking about the weather. My sincerest Condolences to you all.
Sincerely,
Nancy (Ciccone) Center
Robert Weinstock
November 5, 2022
Always enjoyed Roger very much on the radio and TV. My condolences to his family and friends.
Mary R Rausch
November 5, 2022
RIP Roger. I am remembering all the times watching you advising us on the weather but also having fun doing it. Loved listening to you and Bob and especially Spike. Such wonderful times. Thank you. Mary Rausch
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Nov
11
Visitation
3:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Smits Funeral Home, Ltd. - Dyer2121 Pleasant Springs Lane, Dyer, IN 46311
Nov
12
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Smits Funeral Home, Ltd. - Dyer2121 Pleasant Springs Lane, Dyer, IN 46311
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