Roger Pomrenke

On March 25, 2026, Roger Pomrenke passed away peacefully surrounded by love and prayers of his family, after a hard-fought battle with cancer-related illnesses.  He leaves behind a legacy of unwavering faith, incredible love, compassion, and a clever sense of humor.

Funeral Mass will take place Tuesday, March 31, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Storm Lake. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Visitation will take place Monday, March 30, from 5-7 p.m. with a KC Rosary at 7 p.m. at Fratzke & Jensen Funeral Home in Storm Lake.

Dad was born on Feb. 20, 1938, to Augie and Rosella Pomrenke. He attended St. Joseph School in Ashton, graduating in May 1956. While in school he enjoyed singing and helped lead his team to second place in the 1956 CYO Diocesan Tournament. He continued learning throughout his life through classes and experiences.

On Feb. 8, 1958, he married Kathleen Thiele — his love, his soulmate — his everything. Over the next 68 years, they would build a life overflowing with love, steadfast faith and family. Dad’s love and devotion for Mom was not only an inspiration — it was an example of unselfishness and admiration. Through her strength, he found his strength. The two of them set an extraordinary example of love and faith for generations to admire and emulate. Dad savored sharing his morning coffee with Mom while making plans for the day. Dad had always dreamed of an Alaskan trip with Mom; in 2004, that dream came true.

He was a pillar of strength for his family-mentally, emotionally and physically (whether it be from his metal shoulder, knees or hips) to unwavering faith and dedication to his family, friends and community.

Dad’s world was his faith and his family. Who else would think of delighting their kids by building a swimming pool out of a grain bin or pulling a feed bin lid behind the car to go sledding over the snow-filled ditches? Dad relished countless days with family and friends on the pontoon and at the beach. He calculated he could have driven to the moon and back for all the miles he drove in the truck, (never needing to put a wrench to the motor) catching up with his kids, cheering on his grandkids and seeing the precious smiles of his great-grandkids. One of his greatest joys was giving bear hugs (with or without sound) to his grandkids and great grandkids. His faith brought him through the sad times when he lost his sons.

For him, packing up the kids for family vacations was an adventure. Not too many would decide to drive to Texas in the extended van with all of us (wheelchair included) on such a memorable vacation. Then do it again the following year all the way to California! A Niagara Falls trip happened years later.

Dad could entertain his family for hours with his stories — whether true or a “tad” bit stretched. He talked fighting the Indians, racing his bike downhill or shooting the winning basket. He passed on his love for practical and impractical jokes whether it be showing a grandchild how to eat a “nightcrawler” or fix something with a “sheet rock screw.”

Dad enjoyed serving as Mayor of Lakeside — he understood the infrastructure and was often seen inspecting, protecting and servicing the community on his golf cart. Whenever he met anyone, he made it perfectly clear that Storm Lake was a “suburb” of Lakeside. A home fire in Lakeside helped his family understand the love and support of the incredible Lakeside community. 

Active at St. Mary’s Church, Dad served as a cantor at Mass and enjoyed being part of the Environmental committee. Using his mechanical know-how, he designed and built the system that raises/lowers the banners behind the crucifix. He was a member of Knights of Columbus for over 70 years and also a 4th Degree Knight. Dad was also on the Building Committee when the K of C Hall was built.

Dad and Mom enjoyed being “Winter Texans” for a few years — attending concerts, enjoying competitive card games (boys against the girls, of course), happy hours, remote car races and many other activities.

From Peterbilts to Lincolns and from his Goldwing trikes to Polaris snowmobiles, Dad never met a motor he didn’t like. For many years, he relished “bike nights” with his motorcycle group. Many SERPACI outings were enjoyed sitting in the passenger seat in Mom’s 1997 red Mustang convertible. Later he could be seen buzzing around Lakeside in his golf cart. His newest toy, a 1964 Ford Thunderbird two-door Hardtop, was ready for his next adventure.

Those hands. Callused. Big hands. His hardworking, skilled hands brought his visions to life — remodeling homes, building a new one, restoring two fire-damaged homes, and using his creativity to fix just about anything. Soft hands. To hold his wife. His children. To pray to his Lord. Hands of a servant to all.

Dad was blessed with an incredible voice and sang at his daughters’ weddings. Never a Christmas went by without singing “Silent Night” in German. He closed each prayer at family gatherings with a hearty…”And the people say… AMEN”. 

Roger is survived by his wife, best friend and his everything, Kathy. His children: Sandi (Rick) Ehrhardt, Carol (Gary) Ihnen, Nancy (the late Paul) Wright, Denise (Dave) Seitsinger, Jason (Kristy) Pomrenke and Connie Pomrenke; grandchildren: Nick (Lyndsay) Nolting, Justin (Lisa) Nolting, Brandon (Amy) Nolting, Amy (Joel) Bruning, Drew (Blair) Wright, Luke (Chelsi) Wright, Josh (Kalley) Wright, Kate (Payton) Kennedy, Austin (Morgan) Seitsinger, Carter Seitsinger, Jenna Pomrenke (Tyler Cahill), Cole Pomrenke, Jayda Pomrenke, Jacob Pomrenke (Ali Caskey) and Isaac Pomrenke; great-grandchildren: Taylar, Adalee and Jaden Nolting; Henry and Violet Nolting; Aubrey, Noah, Nash and Nolan Nolting; Ethan and Bo Leo Bruning; Henley, Holten and Hayes Wright; McKenna, Brooklyn and Jace Wright; Ripley Wright; and Weston Paul Kennedy.

He was preceded in death by his sons: Thomas Michael, Douglas Mark and Daniel Joseph; son-in-law Paul Wright; his parents; his father and mother-in-law, Ed and Zita Thiele; brothers and sister; in-laws and extended family and friends.

Dad’s legacy of faith, love and deep devotion to family will live on through Mom, his children and the generations that will follow him.