Roger D. Geiger, 78, of Norfolk, died with his family by his side on Sunday, Sept. 14, 2025 at St. Joseph’s Rehabilitation and Care Center in Norfolk.
Services will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 21 at Stonacek Funeral Chapel in Norfolk. The Rev. Ray Wilke will be officiating the service. Burial will take place at Prospect Hill Cemetery in Norfolk. Visitation will be held one hour prior to service on Sunday. The family asks that memorials be made to the family for later designation.
Stonacek Funeral Chapel is in charge of the arrangements.
Roger was born Sept. 21, 1946 in Osmond to Ben and Marge (Acklie) Geiger of Bazile Mills. Roger lost his father at an early age due to an automobile accident. His mother later married Edwin Zobel, and together they raised Roger, alongside his brothers Larry and Jim Geiger and Bill Zobel.
A graduate of Plainview High School, Class of 1964, Roger moved to Omaha where he worked with his brother, Jim, installing siding. This experience inspired Jim to pursue a career in carpentry, encouraged by Roger’s example.
In 1966 Roger relocated to Wayne to attend Wayne State College, working at the Ford garage and doing summer construction jobs. While still in college, Roger married Jeanette Noe of Dixon on April 20, 1968. Following graduation, the couple stayed in Wayne, where Roger began his teaching career in Randolph, instructing shop and driver’s education before starting his own construction company. Known for his craftsmanship, Roger built custom homes and remodels of such quality that people were willing to wait until he could take on their project. Roger and Jeanette raised three children: Shane, Tammy, and Adam.
In 1994 Roger accepted a teaching position at Northeast Community College (NECC) in Norfolk, where he served as the Building Construction Instructor. After commuting for several years, Roger, Jeanette, and Adam moved to Norfolk. In the late 1990s, alongside his sons Shane and Adam, Roger built the retirement home he and Jeanette moved into in May 2001. He retired from NECC in 2008, leaving behind a legacy of mentorship and skilled instruction.
After 37 years of marriage, Jeanette passed away in December 2005 following a courageous battle with cancer.
In later years, Roger found companionship with Bonnie Gates, whom he married on March 26, 2017. Together they enjoyed shuffleboard, attending local events, supporting the Huskers and Royals, and most importantly, spending time with their grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Roger will be remembered for his dedication to mentoring students, especially through hands-on instruction and instilling pride in craftsmanship. Many former students fondly recall his lessons and the homes they helped build under his guidance, often beginning with his trademark line: “Okay fellas, time to settle down.”
He also enjoyed canning, dehydrating, and foraging for wild asparagus. His family cherishes memories of his homemade funnel cakes, jerky, and noodles. Roger loved riding motorcycles and traveling across the country during the summers.
Survivors include his wife, Bonnie; daughter Tammy (Tony) Young, grandson Jackson of Springfield, Missouri; granddaughter Abby (Broc) Smith of Provo, Utah; son Adam (Nicolette) Geiger, grandson Ty of Norfolk; brothers Jim and Bill; grandchildren Richelle Matteo, Savannalee Simonsen, and Richard Prochaska; great-grandchildren Rayleigh and Rosabella Matteo, Dawson and Preston Simonsen; his dear friend, Duane Prochaska; as well as many cousins, nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and a wide circle of friends.
Roger was preceded in death by his wife Jeanette; son Shane (2011); brother Larry (1988); niece Lacy (2025); and nephew Doug (1992).
Condolences can be expressed to the family online at www.stonacekfuneralchapel.com.
