Roger Dean Herman passed away on Thursday, May 21, 2026, surrounded by those who loved him. A loving father, brother, grandfather, businessman, and friend, Roger lived a life defined by hard work, perseverance, and an unwavering dedication to his family. He was born on April 15, 1948, to John Herman and Charlene (Runyan) Herman. Roger grew up on the Herman family farm south of La Porte City, Iowa, alongside his parents and siblings.

He attended Geneseo Consolidated School in Buckingham, Iowa, where he played baseball and basketball and was a member of the Bruce Booster 4-H Club, showing steers. Summers on the farm were filled with hard work—baling hay, milking cows by hand, combining oats, and filling the silo. There was also time for adventure, including racing his brother Jay through the pasture in pickup trucks which would sometimes get some dents but those could never be disclosed to the parents.

Roger graduated with the final graduating class of Geneseo High School in 1966. He then served in the Army Reserves in Waterloo, Iowa, from 1966 to 1972 as a member of the 410th Infantry Regiment, Company C. At the same time, he began what would become a lifelong career in trucking, working for his father hauling livestock and grain to Chicago.

He later worked for the Elliott Brothers Trucklines in Dysart, Iowa as a dispatcher before joining Kroblin Refrigerated Xpress in Waterloo. Roger eventually embarked on his own business ventures, partnering with Leroy Gray to form Southwest Leasing Trucking. Throughout the many changes and growth of the company—from Southwest Leasing Trucking to Pro Market and ultimately Herman Truck Lines—its MC number remained the same, a testament to the business he built and sustained through decades of hard work and determination.

Roger embraced life with an adventurous spirit. He earned his pilot's license and fulfilled his dream of owning an airplane. Along the way, he raised three children and made homes in Iowa, Nevada, California, and ultimately Nevada once again.

More than anything, Roger loved his family. His love language was providing for those he cared about and showing up whenever he was needed. Whether offering a helping hand, solving a problem, giving advice, or simply being there, Roger could always be counted on by his children. He was a fighter, a provider, and a man who worked tirelessly throughout his life to build a better future for his family. His children and grandchildren were among his greatest sources of pride, and his legacy of hard work, generosity, and dedication will live on through them.

Roger was preceded in death by his parents, John and Charlene Herman; and his sister, in infancy, Mary Ann Herman.

He is survived by his sons, Chad Herman and Patrick (Beth) Herman, whom he shared with his first wife, Rebecca McKenzie; his daughter, Alexis (Gerald) Sanchez, whom he shared with his second wife, Cynthia Franzi; his former wife and dear friend, Tina Herman; his siblings, Jay (Susan) Herman, Cathy (Jim) Thiele, Kenneth (Lana) Herman, and Tere Harting; and his beloved granddaughters, Athena Mascoli, Adaline Sanchez, and Aurelia Sanchez.

The family will gather for a Private Graveside Service on July 11, 2026 at 10:30 a.m. at Garrison Cemetery with Military Rites provided by Thomas F. Bevins Post 148 followed by a Celebration of Life open to all family and friends at 12:00 p.m. at the Van Horne Community Center. Food and refreshments will be provided as family and friends come together to share memories and celebrate Roger's life.