Roger Wakeland, 92, of Eldridge, Iowa, passed away on Saturday, August 8, 2026, and went to join his beautiful wife, Ruth, in Heaven.

      Funeral services will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Friday, August 21st at Chambers Funeral Home, Eldridge. Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service. Roger and Ruth will be laid to rest together, side by side, at Peniel Cemetery in Joy, Illinois. Memorials may be made to Long Grove Fire Department, Long Grove Christian Church, or to the family.

      Roger was born on May 12, 1934, in Joy, Illinois, to Everett and Ruth Wakeland. He was one of six children and grew up alongside his brothers, Lane and Mikey, and his sisters, Melba, Dixie, and Mary.

      Roger earned the nickname “The Governor” while he was in school, and the name stuck with him for the rest of his life. To most everyone who knew him, he was simply “Gov.” It became a name that was synonymous with Roger and a part of who he was. Those who knew him well will also remember one of his signature greetings. Whenever the phone rang, Roger was known for answering with his cheerful, unmistakable “Howdy Doody!” It was just one of the little things that made Gov, Gov.

       On June 30, 1957, Roger married the love of his life, Ruth Ann Hyatt, in Joy, Illinois. Shortly after their marriage, Roger and Ruth moved to Albuquerque, New Mexico, where Roger proudly served in the United States Air Force from 1957 to 1962 as an aviation mechanic. After completing his service, Roger brought his family back to Iowa, settling in Long Grove, where he farmed and worked at Alcoa. He remained at Alcoa until retiring at the ripe old age of 50.

      Retirement did not mean slowing down for Gov. He was a true handyman who could fix just about anything and was always working on a project. He loved working on cars, riding his motorcycles, traveling, and taking white-water rafting trips. Roger and Ruth traveled with their many friends and, of course, their two children, creating memories that would last a lifetime. They loved dressing up for Halloween, hosting card club, and simply enjoying the people and experiences that made life special.

       Roger's greatest joy, however, was his family. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and friend. His grandchildren knew him affectionately as “Papa Gov,” and he held a special place in each of their hearts.

      In his later years, while living at Harmony, Roger could often be found scooting through the halls with his brightly colored pictures, proudly handing them out to anyone who came by. He never seemed to meet a stranger, and even in his later years, he found ways to bring a smile to the people around him. His kindness, humor, and unmistakable personality stayed with him throughout his life.

      Roger lived a life filled with hard work, adventure, laughter, friendship, and love. He loved working on cars, riding motorcycles, traveling, spending time with friends, and being an amazing “Papa Gov.” But above all else, he loved Ruth and his family.

      Roger and Ruth shared 65 years of marriage before her passing, and their love remained a beautiful part of his life until the very end. On August 8, Roger finally got to go home to her.

      Roger was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 65 years, Ruth Wakeland; his parents, Everett and Ruth Wakeland; his brother, Lane Wakeland; and his sisters, Dixie, Mary, and Melba.

      Those left to honor and cherish Roger's memory include his son, Randy (Allison Allgaier) Wakeland; his daughter, Ronda (Gary) Anderson; his grandchildren, Michelle (Brandon) Duncan, Robert Wakeland, Brady Wakeland, Andrea (Andy) Wolfe, and Alex Wakeland, Andy (Halee) Anderson; and his many great-grandchildren, including Peyton (Ethan) Hott, Callen Duncan, Oliver Wolfe, Emerson Wolfe, Aislynn Anderson, Riverleigh Anderson, Reed Anderson, Brayve Wakeland, Tyler Wakeland, Glory Wakeland, Haven Wakeland, and Noble Wakeland. He also leaves behind many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends who will miss him dearly.

       Roger leaves behind a lifetime of memories that will be treasured by everyone who had the privilege of knowing him. His stories, his humor, his “Howdy Doody,” and the name Gov will live on through the generations who loved him.

      Though his family will miss him tremendously, there is comfort in knowing that after 65 years of marriage and some time apart, Gov is finally back where he belongs—with his Ruthie.