Roger Eugene Nielson

Roger Eugene Nielson (Little Rog), 70, of Irene, SD passed away March 29. 2026 at Avera Sacred Heart Hospital with his family by his side. He had fought a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer for over 2 years.

Roger was born to Roger and Phyllis Nielson on November 17, 1955, with his twin sister, Rhonda in Yankton, SD. He was baptized and confirmed at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church where he was still an active member. He attended Petersen District #66 through 7th grade. He then attended Irene High School graduating in 1974. He was united in marriage to Kay Swensen on April 30, 1977, at Calvary Lutheran Church in Irene, SD. To this union their two sons Eric and Brian were born.

He grew up at Midway, working alongside his father hauling water and running a spraying business. In 1977, Roger and Kay started to farm, eventually purchasing their current farm in 1986. In 2001, he purchased his first truck and started Nielson Trucking. He then expanded the operation with his sons and renamed it Midway Grain in 2006.

Roger enjoyed fishing, camping, and spending time in Arizona in the winters. He was a lifelong Raiders fan, enjoyed pool, baseball, spending time with close friends, hunting with his special Tennessee family, and hosting a tractor drive for many years. In recent years he enjoyed driving his Camaros. Most of all, he loved spending time with family, especially his grandkids, who were his greatest pride.

He is survived by his wife, Kay, sons Eric (Lisa) and Brian (Annie), all of Irene, SD; grandkids, Rylee, Paige, Hadley, Carter, Owen, Emree, and Baylee; sisters, Belva (Kenny) Jorgensen, Viborg, SD, LeAnna (Dick) Sherman, Dee (Hugh) Healy, both of Irene, SD, and brother-in-law Gene Ernster of Yankton, SD; brother in-laws Michael (Sandra) Swensen, Irene, SD and Dennis (Gordon Brown) Swensen, Sioux Falls, SD; along with several nieces and nephews and many cousins.

He was preceded in death by his father and mother, Roger and Phyllis Nielson; father and mother-in-law, Dale and Charlotte Swensen. He is also preceded in death by his twin sister, Rhonda Ernster, who passed away five years ago, also on March 29.