Obituary: Roger Semmens

Roger Allen "Butch" Semmens, 69, of Carrington, passed away unexpectedly at his home on Thursday, February 13, 2020. Funeral services were held Thursday, Feb. 20 at St. John's Catholic Church in New Rockford. Burial took place at the Carrington Cemetery. Fr. Reese Weber officiated. Special music was provided by Kerstin Allmaras, pianist; and Chris Becker, Justyne Klocke and Kindra Jacobson, cantors. Casket bearers were James Speldrich, Roger Westby, Mike Westfall, Gaylin Borth, Jeff Carter, Russell Shahin, Dusty Horejsi, and Mark Semmens. Honorary Bearers were Roger's grandchildren and the Circle Trail Riders of New Rockford, N.D.

Roger was born to James and Clare (McCreary) Semmens on February 22, 1950, in Carrington, ND and graduated from Carrington High School in 1968.

He attended the North Dakota State School of Science in Wahpeton for one year where he majored in diesel mechanics. In 1969 Roger graduated from Bismarck Junior College Lineman's School. He then worked at Tri-County Electric REC until 1989. In 1990 Roger began his career with Ottertail Power Company as lead lineman with the high voltage bucket truck. They were commonly known as the Hotline Crew.

On May 8, 1999, he married Susie Daugherty of Carrington and made his home in rural Carrington until the time of his death.

In his younger years, Roger enjoyed fast cars and drag racing. He was always telling jokes and teasing family and friends with a smile on his face.

Roger enjoyed time driving his team of Percheron Draft Horses (Bill and Sam) with the Circle Trail Riding Organization. He loved giving rides to anyone that wanted or needed him to, on covered wagons and winter sleigh rides.  

Roger is survived by his wife, Susie, Carrington; daughters: Ginger (Mike) Westfall, Columbus, Neb., and Robin (Jeff) Carter, Blaine, Minn.; step-daughters, Mindy Daugherty, Carrington, Nicole (Russ) Shahin, Williston, Amber (Dusty) Horejsi, Pingree, and Karri Daugherty, Carrington; 13 grandchildren, Colton, Cash, Cain, Cody, Isaiah, Sawyer, Shelby, Bradyn, Grayson, Maggie, Keith, Tommy and Kayson; one great-grandson, Mateo; siblings, Connie (Steve) Speldrich, Sykeston, Larry (Sue) Semmens, Jacksonville, FL, and Mark (Vicky) Semmens, Mesa, Ariz.; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and brother Brian Semmens.

Funeral arrangements by Evans Funeral Home, N.D.