Roger DeRouchey

Dates

Obituary

*** SERVICE SCHEDULE CHANGE ***

Roger Alan DeRouchey, of Alexandria, South Dakota, passed away peacefully on November 23, 2025, at the age of 69, after a courageous battle with cancer. A devoted husband, father, and teacher, Roger’s life was built upon a foundation of integrity, love, and dedication to both family and education. Funeral Mass will be at 10:30 AM Wednesday, December 3rd, at St. Mary of Mercy Catholic Church, Alexandria, SD, with Father Bob Krantz officiating. Visitation will be 5-7:00 PM Tuesday, at St. Mary of Mercy Catholic Church with a 6:30 PM prayer service.  Burial will follow the service at St. Mary of Mercy Catholic Cemetery in Alexandria. Arrangements by Bittner Funeral Chapel.

A live stream of Roger's funeral service can be viewed at: https://www.youtube.com/live/TVmcwl1kxaE?si=2LWnsjtBs15K4LoR

Born on September 30, 1956, in Hoven, South Dakota, Roger was the beloved son of Richard and Lois (Mohr) DeRouchey. He grew up surrounded by the values of hard work and kindness, virtues he carried proudly throughout his life. Roger graduated from Hoven High School in 1974 and then attended South Dakota State University.  He went on to teach at Mitchell Tech for 36 years. His approach to education went beyond books; he taught lessons of respect, honesty, and perseverance, shaping everyone he came in contact with. 

A natural leader and sports enthusiast, Roger also found great fulfillment in refereeing basketball games, a role that brought him both joy and recognition—at one point, even earning him a moment of viral fame. He was equally proud of coaching his children, sharing his love for athletics and encouraging teamwork. His unwavering support and guidance left lasting marks on many lives, particularly those of his children. 

Roger’s heart belonged to his family. He shared a loving marriage with his wife, Kim, with whom he built a home filled with laughter, support, and devotion. From a previous marriage he was blessed with three wonderful children—Erica, Rich, and Tad—who will forever carry forward his love, strength, and sense of humor. Roger is survived by his wife, Kim (Paulsen) DeRouchey; his children, Erica (Darin) Richards, Rich (Mae) DeRouchey, and Tad (Sarah) DeRouchey; and his beautiful grandchildren, Emmy, Robbie, Rylee, and Hayden. He is also survived by his loving mother, Lois DeRouchey, and his brothers, Dave (Annette) and Dale (Laurie) DeRouchey, and numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.  He was preceded in death by his father, Richard DeRouchey, and his in-laws, Norman and Marlys Paulsen.

Outside of his professional life, Roger’s passions reflected his warm spirit. Whether cheering on his beloved Green Bay Packers or the Minnesota Twins, spending time with his family, or cheering from the sidelines, he brought the same enthusiasm, loyalty, and heart to everything he did.

Roger Alan DeRouchey’s legacy lives on in the lessons he taught, the laughter he shared, and the love he gave unconditionally. His family and friends will remember him always as a man of integrity and compassion—a teacher in every sense of the word. 

Visitation(s)

Service

Cemetery