Roger Allen Dede, age 75, passed away peacefully on Monday, December 8, 2025, under the compassionate care of Ava’s House.
Roger was born at the Watertown, South Dakota hospital to Marvin E. (Jack) and Donna M. (Janssen) Dede on October 17, 1950. He joined his brother, Lyle, and later greeted his sisters, Phyllis, Nyla, and Ellen to the family.
Roger spent the majority of his life living on the east side of Sioux Falls, South Dakota. He attended Bancroft Elementary, Whittier Junior High, and graduated from Lincoln Senior High School in 1968. Roger’s summers were spent playing at a nearby park or with family and friends at his parents cabin at Lake Poinsett, South Dakota.
He married Deb Gruber in 1970. This marriage was later dissolved.
Roger’s work history began with Pizza Inn during his high school years, Western Electric, and finally 36 years at NSP/Xcel Energy, retiring in 2006. After retirement, Roger worked various part-time jobs, but really enjoyed working for Hy-Vee delivering flowers and medications. He commented that “people were happy to see me”.
Roger coached Jr football, bantam baseball, and 5th grade boys basketball, winning the city championship with one team of boys. He volunteered to referee basketball games for the YMCA for over 20 years.
He married Marsha R. Boyd in Sioux Falls, South Dakota on September 6, 1980. Marsha and he welcomed a son, Jericho D. in 1981, and a daughter, Rebel J. in 1983. Through the years , he attended many sporting and musical events that Jericho and Rebel participated in.
He loved the honor of putting on a tux and walking his daughter down the aisle to marry Jordan Williams. He delighted in welcoming his son’s wife, Fatou Sow, to the family. Roger was constantly amazed by the accomplishments of his grandchildren.
Roger leaves behind his wife of 45 years, Marsha, his son, Jericho (Fatou Sow) and their children, Lana H., Zayn A., and Adam W. of Danielsville, Ga. And his daughter, Rebel (Jordan) Williams and their children, Lyric R., Aria J., and Coda J. of Sussex, Wi.
Preceding Roger in death were his parents, Jack and Donna, sister Phyllis and her husband, Bobby Barrett, and brother-in-law, Raymond Barrett.
A memorial service will be held at the Heritage Funeral Home on South Minnesota Avenue on Monday, December 15, 2025. Visitation from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m., and memorial service at 2:00 p.m. Please bring any anecdotal memories of Roger to share with family and friends. Roger will be cremated and internment at the South Dakota Veterans Cemetery outside of Sioux Falls will be at a separate time.
The family would like to thank the staff at Sanford outpatient dialysis unit for their compassionate care during Roger’s multiple treatments. Thanks also to the staff of Sanford Hospital and Ava’s House for your care, kindness, and compassion.
In lieu of flowers please direct memorial contributions to the family.
Celebrate a life with the whole community in The Dakota Scout. Contact obits@thedakotascout.com to have your loved one remembered today.