Roger Huffman, 88, Dickinson, died Monday, April 23, 2018 at Edgewood Hawks Point, Dickinson. A funeral service will be held on Friday, April 27, 2018 at 2 p.m. at St. John Lutheran Church, Dickinson with Rev. Lisa Lewton and Rev. Joe Natwick officiating. Interment will follow at the Oakdale Cemetery, Killdeer. Military Honors will be provided by Dickinson American Legion Post 3 Honor Guard. There will be an informal gathering of family & friends on Thursday, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Ladbury Funeral Service, Dickinson. Visitation will continue on Friday, one hour prior to services at the church.

Roger Frederick Huffman was born November 4, 1929, in Rugby, the son of Elmer and Leah (Ritchie) Huffman. In 1940 the family moved to Killdeer where he graduated from Killdeer High School in 1947. He came to Dickinson and furthered his education at Dickinson State Teachers College.

Roger was united in marriage to his high school sweetheart, Jean Dolezal, on September 23, 1951 in Killdeer, while he was serving in the U.S. Air Force. He served honorably in the Air Force from January 15, 1951 until November 26, 1954 and lived in Alaska and Texas.  During that time, son Thomas was born in Alaska and son Duane was born in Texas. Upon his discharge, they returned to North Dakota where Roger finished his teaching degree. In Dickinson they were blessed with their third son, Jerry. Roger’s teaching and coaching career began at Dickinson High School in 1956, where he coached football, wrestling and track. In 1963 he returned to his Alma Mater where his roles included head football coach, head track coach, head cross country coach, assistant basketball coach, Athletic Director and Chairman of the Physical Education Department. In 1984 Roger became Registrar and Director of Admissions until his retirement in 1991.

Roger was an active member of the Elks Club, DSU Booster Club and the Elks Sod Buster Band. He enjoyed attending DHS, THS, and DSU Athletic events. In retirement he enjoyed fishing and boating on the big lake with his wonderful friends from McKenzie Bay—West Side’s the Best Side.

Family was always important to Roger. He could often be found in the stands during football, basketball, volleyball, soccer games and track meets. In fact, he was regularly spotted in his famous folding chair under the basket in Scott Gymnasium or at the finish line of track meets timing runners.  Roger’s children and grandchildren were his pride and joy.  Luckily, his love for athletics was passed down to them.  He and Jean travelled many miles to make sure they could cheer on their favorites during activities and events.  Additionally, Roger was excited to learn that he was to be a great grandfather later this year.  We know he will continue to cheer on his great-grandson in spirit.

Truly, we lost our favorite storyteller when we lost Grandpa Roger.  His personality, sense of humor and ukulele renditions always kept us smiling. The man who constantly made us laugh today brought us to tears.  There are not enough words to describe our love for Grandpa Roger. It is a blessing that he can now remember all of his favorite tales, faces, dates and places he has travelled. Rest easy and give our love to Grandma Jean. You will be forever in our hearts.

Roger is survived by his three sons, Tom (Leigh) Huffman, Casa Grande, Ariz., Dewey (Deb) Huffman, Dickinson, and Jerry (Nancy) Huffman, Fargo; five very special grandchildren, Scott (Miranda) Huffman, Stephanie (Adam) Fisher, Katie (Devin) Rummel, Kelly (Lynn) Huffman, and Brady Huffman. He was preceded in death by his wife, Jean on April 18, 2008; his parents; and his brother, Gordon.