Roger Kocher

Roger Kocher, 86, met his heavenly Lord and Savior on April 21, 2025. He was met by the love of his life, Phyllis, whom he has missed dearly.

A funeral service will be held at 10:30 AM, Friday, April 25, at Parkway Funeral Service, 2330 Tyler Pkwy, Bismarck.

Visitation will be held from 4:00-6:00 PM, Thursday, April 24, at Parkway Funeral Service.

Burial will be held at 2:00 PM at the North Dakota Veterans Cemetery, Mandan.

Roger was born in Hague, ND to John and Mary Kocher on June 7, 1938. He grew up on the family farm, graduating from Hague High School. He married Phyllis Braun on August 29, 1957. He served in the US Army from 1956-1959 in Fort Huachuca, AZ. They left the Army base and moved to California where they lived until 1975. Roger started his post education in CA and completed it in Bismarck at Bismarck Junior College. He found his niche in life, selling insurance for Colonial Accident and Life until his retirement in 2011. His greatest career accomplishment was introducing the benefits of insurance to all four reservations in ND. Throughout his career, he earned 20 worldwide award conferences, allowing him and Phyllis to travel the world!

Roger loved bowling. His greatest pride was his love for his Savior, Jesus. He was also very proud of his sobriety and lived by the Serenity Prayer. He was active at Evangel Temple and Surprise Church Bismarck.

Roger and Phyllis were blessed with four children: Sandy, (Scott) Ressler; Rocky (deceased) (Bev) Kocher; John (Jennifer) Kocher; and Shelly Kocher (Clayton Snyder). He leaves 12 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren. He also leaves behind his siblings, Denis Kocher, Oregon, Alice Morris and Chuck Kocher in Bismarck. Preceding him in death were his parents, his wife, Phyllis, son Rocky and grandson, Eric. Roger and Phyllis took great pride in spending time with their grand, and great grandchildren, and loved having opportunities to watch them participate in sports, arts and academic activities.

The family is grateful to Prairie Pointe Assisted Living Center and the Baptist Health and Rehab Center in Bismarck for the wonderful friendship and care over the last 6 1/2 years. They are also thankful for the compassionate care that Hospice of the Red River Valley provided.

Through Hospice, Roger was recently added to the Veterans Wall of Honor for his service to our country.

In lieu of flowers, the family prefers memorials to Salvation Army or St Jude’s Hospital.