Roger Eggerss

Funeral Services for Roger Eggerss will be live streamed here.

Roger Wayne Eggerss was born on August 10, 1959, to Ronald and Bonnie (Messerschmidt) Eggerss in Harlan. He lived on the family farm and at the age of six he left home to attend the Iowa Braille and Sight Saving School in Vinton, Iowa where he wrestled and graduated with the Class of 1979, and received the Citizenship Award.

After graduating, he attended classes at the Iowa Commission for the Blind in Des Moines for a year. He learned cane travel and how to manage on his own.

In 1982, Roger worked in Council Bluffs at the Vocational Development Center and began taking classes at Iowa Western Community College where he earned an Associate of Arts Degree in 1985.

From 1989 to 1992, Roger was employed in Sioux City, Iowa at MCI. In 1992, he returned to Shelby to work at Concerned Inc. in Harlan and remained in Shelby until August of 2025.

Roger became very familiar with Shelby. He would be seen walking the trail out to the Corncrib to have lunch and walk back. He walked downtown, to church, and over to mom’s house for lunch. Roger enjoyed listening to music, swimming, bowling, riding a tandem bike, playing cards – he was an excellent Cribbage player and won some tournaments.

Roger was a lifelong member of the First Presbyterian Church in Shelby, serving as an elder on the session and singing in the choir. He was a member of the Neola Community Choir and the Walnut Community Choir for many years.

Roger had a strong faith which was very evident during his battle with cancer. He remained positive and upbeat until the end.

Roger’s memory was amazing! He could recall dates and times on any subject. Once he heard your voice a few times, he knew who he was talking to before you told him, even if it had been a while since he had seen you. If he had your phone number, you would always get a call on your birthday or anniversary.

Sports were a big part of his life. He enjoyed cheering on the St. Louis Cardinals, the Iowa State Cyclones, as well as watching professional football.

Roger entered into rest on Sunday, June 21, 2026, at the Atlantic Specialty Care having attained the age of 66 years, ten months and 11 days. He is preceded in death by his parents and grandparents, Walter and Mabel (Krohn) Messerschmidt and Paul and Helen (Burmeister) Eggerss.

He is survived by his sisters: Kimberli (Gerald) Buck of Shelby and Pamela (Brian) Christensen of Bridgewater; aunts: Joyce Rihner, Dixie Messerschmidt, Kay Messerschmidt, and Catherine Thoms; as well as many cousins and friends.

Visitation with family and friends will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Friday, June 26, 2026, at the Heartland Funeral Home in Harlan. His funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, June 27, 2026, at the United Methodist Church in Shelby. Burial will be held in the Shelby Cemetery. The family will direct memorials.