Roger Joseph Bromert, PhD, died unexpectedly in Oklahoma on January 5, 2010, at the age of 64. Born in Sioux Falls, SD, to Harold "Buster" Bromert and Elsie Koupal Bromert, wherever life's travels took him, Roger remained forever in his heart a true South Dakotan.

He enrolled at The University of South Dakota in the fall of 1963. While there, he became a member of the Beta Theta Pi Fraternity. He graduated in 1968 and enlisted in the US Air Force serving his country for four years, both in the Philippines and San Antonio, Texas. Following an honorable discharge, Roger returned to USD and completed his master's degree in American Indian History. He then went on to The University of Toledo (OH) on a graduate fellowship to study for a doctorate in the History of the American West, graduating in 1977.

Dr. Bromert taught at Huron College (SD) for four years before joining the faculty at Southwestern Oklahoma State University in Weatherford, OK. He taught at that institution for the past 30 years and achieved the rank of full Professor.

While in SD and Oklahoma, Roger received numerous awards for excellence in teaching. The National Endowment for the Humanities granted him two summer fellowships to research and study at the City Colleges of New York and at Dartmouth College (NH). Throughout his career he published many articles and gave numerous lectures at other universities; presented papers at state and regional history conferences; and speeches to many historical society meetings. While in Oklahoma, the governor of that state appointed Roger to the Board of Directors of the Oklahoma Historical Society. Of all his accomplishments and honors, his priorities focused on the students he taught and he took great pleasure in mentoring them to advance and achieve their own educational endeavors.

Roger is survived by his wife, Linda Koebelen of Weatherford, OK; two stepchildren: Jennifer (Chris) Cockreham and Rad (Donelle) Dew; his mother, Elsie R. Bromert of Wagner, SD; a sister, Janet (Tom) Holland of Tulsa, OK; two nieces: Jennifer (Steve) Litke and Kara (Sean) Hennesse, both of Fort Worth, TX; and great nieces and nephews: Hayden and Caroline Litke and Drew and Will Hennesse. He also leaves behind two aunts and one uncle; many cousins; and his brothers of Beta Theta Pi Fraternity.

He was preceded in death by his father, Harold; grandparents; and numerous aunts and uncles.

The memorial service is being held at St. John's Catholic Church in Wagner, SD on Saturday, January 16th, at 11:00 AM, followed by interment in St. John's Cemetery. Scripture services will be Friday, January 15th, at 7:00 PM at St. John's Catholic Church.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made in his name to: The Department of History, The University of South Dakota, 414 East Clark, Vermillion, SD 57069.