Roger Allen Heiden, Sr was born on Tuesday, October 17, 1939 as the third and final child of Leo and Lucille (Smith) Heiden. The family was living in an apartment at the back of a general store at 7950 South Custer Road.

He was a 1958 graduate of Dundee High School and was a farmer for several years. He also worked at France Stone Company and then Dundee Castings Co. until retiring in 2006.

On Saturday, January 10, 1970, he married Nancy Eipperle at the East Ida Immanuel Lutheran Church. They had three sons.

Roger died on Sunday, December 29, 2024 at the age of 85. Nancy who was born on November 11, 1937 preceded him in death on June 17, 1999 at the age of 61.

At the time of his death, Roger and Nancy had 7 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren.