Roger Greever

Roger Greever, 91, died on September 22, 2026, at his home in Des Moines, Iowa. He was born in Callender, Iowa on April 1, 1935, to his parents Thomas Edward Greever and Fayre Bernice Hall. Roger is preceded in death by his parents: wife, Mary Jane (Heisler), a brother, Richard H. Greever, and is survived by his son Michael of Mesa, Arizona and stepson Jeffery Heisler of Florida.

Roger served in the U.S. Navy from 1956 to 1959 where he participated in Operation Hardtack, which undertook the testing of nuclear explosions in the Pacific. In 1957, he earned his Journeyman Certification with the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners. Later in life, he served nearly 30 years as a member of the Des Moines Fire Department, retiring in 1990.

Clever and curious, Roger was a consummate jack of all trades. He was a mechanic, a carpenter and a mason; a meticulous craftsman. He was also an enthusiastic outdoorsman, who enjoyed hunting, boating, snowmobiling, and rock hounding.

Demanding and fastidious, Roger never met a task, large or small, that could not be done more expertly or efficiently by him. Though his critiquing was relentless, his helpfulness and dependability were boundless.

Roger was a time capsule of a different era; a vessel containing the robust essence of the Greatest Generation. He personified contradiction, being at once a rascal and a gentleman, gruff and amiable, stubborn and dutiful, nettlesome and generous, industrious and fun-loving, exasperating and charming. His manliness was vintage; he was a classic.

Roger was an avid collector. He passionately sought and displayed his ample and varied treasures. Likewise, he amassed a multitude of friends and acquaintances, whom he captivated with his prolific stories and distinctive personality.

Though Roger’s indelible memory will remain with those whom he has left behind, the world has been diminished by his loss, and life will certainly be less interesting without him.

A graveside service will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, November 14, 2026, at Woodland Cemetery in Des Moines. Honors will be conducted by the U.S. Navy and the Des Moines Fire Department. Online condolences are welcome at www.IlesCares.com. Arrangements by Iles Westover Chapel.