Roger Leroy Hinrickson

Roger Leroy Hinrickson, 75, of Smithland, Iowa passed away Sunday, October 26, 2025 at his residence.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 A.M. Thursday, October 30, 2025 at the Goslar Funeral Home Chapel, Onawa, Iowa with Darren C. E. Goslar, officiating. A live stream of the service will be posted on the Goslar Funeral Home website with Roger’s obituary. Burial will follow in the Little Sioux Township Cemetery, Smithland, Iowa. A visitation will be held one hour prior to the service Thursday, October 30, 2025 at the Goslar Funeral Home Chapel in Onawa. Arrangements are under the direction of Goslar Funeral Home and Monuments, Onawa, Iowa.

Roger Leroy was born July 13, 1950, in Mapleton, Iowa, to George and D. Darlyne (Howland) Hinrickson. He was raised in Mapleton and attended Maple Valley School. After completing his education, Roger began working at Mac’s Chevrolet, where he detailed cars.

Roger and Chana Hagerdon were united into marriage October 27, 1972 at St. Matthew Lutheran Church in Mapleton. To this union four children were born, Misti, Cari, Rustin, and Ben.

Roger held many different jobs throughout his life, working hard and lending his skills wherever they were needed. He was employed by the Highway Commission, the railroad, and helped build towers for Byron’s Originals. Roger owned and operated Leroy’s Restaurant and Lounge in Smithland, Iowa. Over the years, he also worked for several construction companies, including K & K, which built the new addition to the Maple Valley School. In addition, Roger worked on the apartments in Sloan and completed numerous concrete projects. A true handyman, he was always willing to help anyone who needed a hand.

Roger enjoyed life’s simple pleasures — fishing, riding horses, and watching WWE wrestling and old westerns. He enjoyed socializing with a cold beer and a cup of coffee. Roger loved spending time with his grandchildren, especially teaching them how to clean fish. Known for his knack for fixing just about anything with bailing wire and duct tape, Roger was always ready to lend a hand. A longtime member of the Mapleton Saddle Club, he also brought joy to others by playing Santa Claus. Roger proudly served as the mayor of Smithland and took great pride in bringing cable service to the town.

Roger is survived by his wife of 52 years, 364 days, Chana Hinrickson of Smithland, Iowa; children Misti (Greg Walcott) of Mapleton, Iowa, Cari (Melton Frenchman) of Winnebago, Nebraska, Rustin (JoAnne) of Smithland, Iowa, and Ben of Smithland, Iowa; fourteen grandchildren, Payton (Jacob), Shoalah, TariQ, Olivia (Jake), Zoey (Joseph), Edynne, Landon, Blake, Allie, Belle, Logan, Emily (Blake), Nick, and Aubree; ten great-grandchildren, Analia, Daxton, Waverly, Zayla, Ariella, River, Wynter, Ezra, Rookie, and one arriving in May; brother, Alan (Nita) Hinrickson of Pocahontas, Iowa; sisters-in-law, Elisa (Terry) Burke of Council Bluffs, Iowa and Dona Dean Lovell of South Sioux City, Nebraska; brother-in-law, Lewis Davis of Castana, Iowa; and numerous nieces and nephews, extended family and friends.

He was welcomed home by his parents, George and Darlyne (Howland) Hinrickson; sister, Vicki Hinrickson; brother, Duane Hinrickson; great-granddaughter, Nova Lou Weis; parents-in-law, LeDean and Lorene (Ziems) Hagerdon; sister-in-law, Suzan Davis; and brother-in-law, John Lovell.

Condolences may be left online for the family at www.goslarfuneralhome.com

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