Writing Roger's obituary is much easier said, than done.   How do we condense such a rich life into a few paragraphs?

Let's start with some indisputable facts:  Roger L. Whiting, 74, of Custer, SD, passed away November 25, 2021, at Monument Health Custer Hospital in Custer, SD.   Roger was born December 23, 1946, in Rosebud, SD, to Arlington and LaVerne (Frank) Whiting.   Roger was the first Whiting in his family to earn a college degree, obtaining his Associates Degree in Forestry from Sinte Gleska University.    Roger married Irene Jean Williams in 1971 and to their union was born one daughter and three grandsons.  Roger married Monica Whiting in 1978 and to their union was born three sons and one granddaughter.

Roger had a smorgasbord of careers including, but not limited to, Rancher, Milk Truck Driver, Tribal Police Officer, City Police Officer, Todd County Sheriff and Forester for thirty plus years.

Roger was a lifetime member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, lifetime member of the Rosebud Sioux Tribe, a Radioman 3 ^rd Class in the U.S. Navy until his honorable discharge in 1970 and a member of the Old Antarctic Explorers Association Inc.

These personal attributes of Roger are still indisputable facts, but are subjective given each individual's personal relationship with Roger. We have listed them in bullets, as we could fill pages describing how he personified these qualities.  In no particular order:

• - Roger was ornery.
• - Roger was forever fixing something, for somebody, for everybody.
• - Roger had a strong will and defended his values.
• - Roger liked to work with his hands, he was skilled and handy at welding among other crafts.
• - Drinking coffee at French Creek Supply
• - Roger was a hardworking man, efficient and productive.
• - Roger was generous to a fault.
• - And perhaps an understatement, but Roger was independent.
• - Roger possessed the gift of being an amazing Grandpa.
• - When Roger wasn't busy with the above, he was busy telling his sons what to do.

Surviving Roger is Monica, his wife of 43 years; sons, Jacob Whiting; Aaron (Rebecca    Hannah) Whiting; Clarence (Thea Teasley) Whiting; daughter, Syd (Tim) Agla; brothers, Charles Whiting; Bill Whiting; sister, Laura Vodicka and his grandchildren, Penelope Whiting; Brayden Agla; Colin Agla and Aaron Agla.

Roger's family request that remembrances be made in the form of donations to Operation Black Hills Cabin   Operationblackhillscabin.org

Christian Funeral Vigil will be held 7:00 p.m., Sunday, November 28, 2021 at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Custer, SD.

Christian Funeral Mass will be held 10:00 a.m., Monday, November 29, 2021, at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Custer, SD with Christian Funeral Committal following at Custer Cemetery in Custer, SD.