In Memory of Roger D. Chisholm

Roger D. Chisholm, age 77, of Kiron, Iowa, passed away on Wednesday, April 17, 2024, at the University of Nebraska Medical Center of Omaha, Nebraska.

Memorial Services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, April 23, 2024, at the Immanuel Lutheran Church of Schleswig, Iowa. Pastor Merle Mahnken will officiate.

A Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Monday, April 22, 2024, at the Christensen-Van Houten Funeral Home of Ida Grove, Iowa.

The Christensen-Van Houten Funeral Home of Ida Grove, Iowa, is in charge of the funeral arrangements. Condolences may be sent online at www.christensenvanhouten.com

In lieu of flowers, memorials in Roger’s name may be made to the Kiron Fire Department or Schleswig Fire Department.

Roger Dale Chisholm, the son of Roland and Roma (Dethlefs) Chisholm, was born on March 11, 1947, in Battle Creek, Iowa. He grew up in and received his education at Battle Creek High School. 

After high school, Roger began working at Midwest Industries in Ida Grove, Iowa. He then worked for a few years doing construction before working at Holstein Manufacturing. In 1983 he returned to Midwest Industries where he remained employed until his retirement. 

On March 15, 1968, Roger was united in marriage to Mary Jane Hollander. The couple was blessed with two children: Carmen and Jason. The family made their home in Battle Creek until 1989 when they moved to the family farm northwest of Kiron, Iowa. 

Roger served on the Ida County Fair Board as well as served as a Boy Scout leader while in Battle Creek. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, and camping as well as country dancing. The couple also danced on Club Dance on TNN. 

For 15 years, Roger and Mary enjoyed spending time at their Spirit Lake “getaway” going to garage sales and fishing. The couple also enjoyed traveling on cruises and bus tours covering all of the United States. This led to a wonderful bond with Gary, who was their tour bus driver, that became a lifelong friend. 

Roger never met anyone that didn’t leave as a friend. He was a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. His family meant the world to him. He will be remembered as a practical joker who was loved by all.

Left to cherish his memory include his loving wife of 56 years, Mary Chisholm of Kiron, IA; children Carmen Schmidt of Schleswig, IA and Jason (Monica) Chisholm of Denison, IA; grandchildren Kelsey (Lee) Baxley, Emily (Jon) Fast, Sarah Schmidt (fiancé Tanner Schultz), and Abby (Jacob) Macumber; step grandchildren  Cody (Kaitlin) Higgins and Jamie Clinton; great-grandchildren Natalie, Emma, and Grant Baxley and James, Lucas, and Piper Fast; step great-grandchildren Ariana and Freya Higgins; sister Barb Fey of Minnesota; extended family and friends; dog Molly; cats Stinker and Bug.

He was preceded in death by his parents Roland and Roma Chisholm; and in-laws Virtus and Elvera Hollander.