Roger A. Girard

Roger A. Girard, age 74, of Yankton, South Dakota, passed away on Thursday, March 8, 2018 at his home. Mass of Christian Burial is 2:30 PM, on Thursday, March 15, 2018 at St. Benedict Catholic Church in Yankton with Reverend Scott Traynor officiating. Burial will be in the Yankton Cemetery. Visitation is from 5:00 to 8:00 PM, on Wednesday, March 14 at Wintz & Ray Funeral Home in Yankton with a vigil service at 7:00 PM. Visitation continues one hour prior to the funeral at the church. Roger was born July 27, 1943 in Vermillion, South Dakota to Francis and Evelyn (Lambert) Girard. He grew up in Westerville, South Dakota and his parents owned the Westerville store where neighbors and friends had a place to gather and visit. He attended country school and then worked on the family farm with his dad and brothers. On December 28, 1965, he married Karen Keeley in Yankton. After their marriage, they farmed in the Wakonda area and raised their family. Later in life, Roger was a custodian for the University of South Dakota in Vermillion. He worked for USD for over 10 years. He really enjoyed his time there and was awarded the employee of the month. Roger had to retired for health reasons and in 2009, they moved to Yankton. Roger loved watching baseball, especially the Minnesota Twins. He also loved fishing, family vacations and playing pinochle. Roger is survived by his wife of 52 years, Karen Girard of Yankton; four children: Kelly (Howard) Kathol of Gayville, Brenda Haneklaus of Yankton, Brian (Paula) Girard of Yankton and Brandon Girard (Sadie Hansen) of Yankton; 13 grandchildren; seven great grandchildren; two brothers, Leonard (Pat) Girard of Vermillion and Marvin (Pat) Girard of Wakonda; and many nieces and nephews. Roger was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Dennis Girard. To send an online message to the family, please visit www.wintzrayfuneralhome.com.