Roger Philip Forsch

Roger Philip Forsch, 84, of Pierre, SD, passed away peacefully on Saturday, October 5, 2024, in Concord, NH, surrounded by family and his wife of 65 years, Rosemary. A private family service and celebration of life will be held at a later date.

Born May 4, 1940, in Mott, ND, to William and Edith (Horner) Forsch, Roger grew up in the family electric and appliance business, Mott Electric. A proud Mott Cardinal through and through, he learned the values of hard work, honesty, and connection early on. These traits would define his life and his career. After graduating from Mott High School, Roger completed his studies at North Dakota State College of Science focusing on radio and TV.

In the summer of 1959, while working at JCPenney in Wadena, MN, Roger met the love of his life, Rosemary Schwartz. Just three months later, on September 5, they married and began their incredible journey together. Roger’s career in sales took them from North Dakota to new adventures throughout the Midwest, with Roger making a name for himself at Arvid Benson, Tappan Appliances, Burghardt Supply, and ALMO Corporation. 

Roger was known as a man who believed in doing business on a handshake. His 47-year career wasn’t just about business—it was about relationships, integrity, and making people feel valued. When he retired in 2005, he shifted his focus to the things he loved most: hunting, fishing, traveling, and, above all, spending time with family and friends.

He found joy in the simple pleasures—fall pheasant hunts in Mott, quiet mornings fishing with Rose, and summer trips to New Hampshire for lobster rolls and outings with his grandkids. On one memorable visit, Roger proudly carried a cooler full of freshly caught walleye on the plane, excited to share his catch with his New Hampshire family and friends.

Roger is survived by his beloved wife, Rose, of Pierre, SD/Concord, NH; three children, Kevin (Carroll) Forsch of Ft. Pierre, SD, Tim (Catherine) Forsch of Sioux Falls, SD, and Kim (Steve) Erickson of Concord, NH; eight grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and his extended Schwartz, Hummel, and Forsch families, along with a community of friends who became family. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Garret Forsch.

Memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, the South Dakota Parks and Wildlife Foundation, the Izaak Walton League–Sunshine Chapter, or the First United Methodist Church of Pierre, SD. 

To know Roger was to love Roger, and to be loved by him was a gift. His quick wit, big heart, and his timeless words of wisdom left a memorable mark on everyone he met. Rest easy, RP—your legacy of love, laughter, and a life well-lived will carry on forever.