Roger Joseph Reiter, 66, of Jewell, Kansas, died Tuesday, Feb. 13, 2024, at the University of Kansas Health Systems, Kansas City, Kansas. Roger was born in Beloit, Kansas, on Oct. 23, 1957, to Arnold Joseph Reiter and Pauline Lucille (Abram) Reiter.

Roger grew up on the farm south of Lovewell Lake until moving to Mankato in 1969. He attended Montrose Elementary until 7 th grade. He went to Mankato Junior High and graduated from Mankato High School in 1975.

Roger married Angelia Gail Pierce, on May 28, 1978. To this union four children were born: Bradley Pierce, David Joseph, Cecilia Peggy and Evan Matthew.

Roger held many positions for many people. He was never apprehensive about learning a new trade. He developed his work ethic by working various jobs in Jewell County starting on farms to grocery stores, then onto Dubuque Packing Plant. He earned top salesman and manager position at Superior Motor Parts in Mankato. Upon closing of the NAPA store, he sought employment with Charlie Jacobson when he also began his farming career. He started his first cow herd with his wife in 1986, eventually leading to the start of Gilly's Gelbvieh, becoming members of the American Gelbvieh Association in 1999.

He was a farmer and rancher who worked hard to provide for his family, a husband who loved his wife, a father who treasured his children, a grandfather who cherished his grandchildren and a neighbor always willing to lend a hand. He enjoyed his time with his family, especially his grandchildrn. He loved them fiercely!

Roger is preceded in death by his parents, Arnold and Pauline Reiter; his brother, Don Reiter; his in-laws, Cecil and Peggy (Nutsch) Pierce, Wayne "Dink" and Charlene Snyder, Cathy Pierce and Sheila Shoemaker.

Left behind to remember and love him: his wife of nearly 46 years Angelia "Gilly" Reiter, son Bradley (Jenna) of Formoso, son David (Sara) Reiter of Montrose, daughter Cecilia (Mark) Peters of Randall, son Evan (Sara Jessica) Reiter of Mankato; 15 grandchildren: Val Jean, Virginia, and Charles "Charlie" Reiter; Richard "Richie," Oliver, Anna, Landon, and Eva Reiter; Dakota, Owen, Peggy, Coy, Vance and Quincy Peters; MaKinna Cross; brother Kenneth (Mary) Reiter of Mankato; sister Julie (Dennis) Kennedy of Mankato; in-laws: Jeff (Erlina) Pierce of Mankato, Susan Pierce of Narka, Henry (Kim) Pierce of Mankato, Clifford (Beverly) Pierce of Yukon, Oklahoma, Andrea (Thomas) Held of Hermann, Missouri, Matt (Linda) Pierce of Mankato, Beth (Michal) Svoboda of Narka; several nieces and nephews, and a host of other family and friends.

Visitation was from 1 to 7 p.m., Friday, Feb. 16, 2024, with family greeting friends from 4 to 6 p.m., at Kleppinger Funeral Home, Jewell.

His funeral was held at 10 a.m., Saturday, Feb. 17, 2024, at Evangelical Lutheran Church, Mankato, Kansas. Burial followed at the Delta Cemetery, Formoso, Kansas. Followed by a meal and gathering at the Jewell Community Center, Jewell.

Memorials may be made to Jewell County Historical Society and Jewell County Fire Departments.

For online condolences, please visit kleppingerfuneralhome.com.