Roger E. Kammerer

Roger E. Kammerer

Primghar, Iowa

Roger E. Kammerer passed away peacefully at his home with family by his side on Wednesday, January 17, 2024.  His graveside service will be held at 1:30 P.M. on Thursday, May 9, 2024, at Pleasant Hill Cemetery in Primghar with military honors.

Arrangements are under the care of the Eldridge Family Funeral Home in Primghar.

Roger was born January 8, 1934, in Dale Township, O’Brien County, Iowa being one of the three children of William Thomas Kammerer and Alice Amanda Jons.

Roger attended grade school and graduated from high school in Primghar, Iowa and upon completion of High School became a lineman for a local telephone company.  Then later, he enlisted into the United States Marine Corps after being turned down by the US Army.  His distinguished career in the Marine Corps began at the height of the Korean War and culminated just after the end of the Vietnam War with a total of 23 years of honorable service.  Roger having only graduated from High School and with no formal college education was bestowed with a Battlefield Commission from the Marine Corps during the Vietnam War and was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant.  This Battlefield Commission was due to his military knowledge, resourcefulness, leadership abilities, and overall faithfulness to the Marine Corps.  Roger also served in other countries and assignments and upon his retirement from the Marine Corps had obtained the final rank of Captain.  During his service Roger received various awards and decorations for both armed conflicts that he served in along with peacetime service to his country.  

Roger married on July 17, 1955, in Yuma, Arizona to Cora Isabel Monroe (1934-2008) and they celebrated 52 years together.  They moved from Swansboro, North Carolina to Primghar, Iowa in 1979.  Cora was a floral designer for over 30 years and worked for many years at Paradox Florist in Sanborn, Iowa.  Cora enjoyed antiques, crafting, golf, and spending time with family and friends.  Roger kept himself busy with his building skills, golf, and helping Cora with antiquing.  After Cora’s passing Roger then married again in 2009 to Gaye Ruby Schnack Van Winkle (1941-2019).  Gaye was an avid reader, writer, and author.  Gaye enjoyed gardening, crafting, cooking for Roger, and visiting her family members in other states.  Roger and Gaye both enjoyed attending church at the Tabernacle Baptist Church in George, Iowa.  And Roger was a member of the Legion, the VFW, and the Fleet Reserve Association all in good standing.

Roger was predeceased by a sister, Frances Kammerer Nelson (1925-1969) and a brother, William T. (Bill) Kammerer Jr. 1928-2013).  Roger leaves behind his four children, Sharon Domingo and her husband, Richard of Elko, Nevada; Roger Kammerer Jr. of Greenville, North Carolina; Terrance Kammerer and his wife, Donna of South Mills, North Carolina; Gerald Kammerer and his wife, Jeanine, of Sutherland, Iowa; Roger also leaves behind five grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, three great-great grandchildren, two sisters-in-law, many nieces, nephews, and a very long list of friends.  Roger enjoyed talking to people and his favorite thing to say to whomever was “Keep Smiling”