Roger C. Hastert

Roger Christopher Hastert, age 83, of Garnett, Kansas, passed away on Friday, May 8, 2026, at Villa St. Francis in Olathe, Kansas.

Roger was born on November 4, 1942, in Garnett, Kansas, the son of Christopher George and Edith Elizabeth (Olsen) Hastert. He attended Holy Angels and Earnest country schools before graduating from Garnett High School with the class of 1960. Following graduation, Roger served his country in the United States Air Force from May 1960 to February 1964. His service took him to Lackland Air Force Base and Biloxi, Mississippi, before he was deployed for duty in Vietnam, Thailand, and Okinawa, Japan. He was privileged to play in the Armed Services basketball tournament in the Philippines. Upon his return to civilian life, he attended Kansas State Teacher's College in Emporia.

On January 30, 1965, Roger was united in marriage to Joyce Ann Hawkins at Holy Angels Catholic Church in Garnett. Their marriage was blessed with three sons and 61 years of wonderful memories.

Roger's career was marked by a strong work ethic and variety. After college, he worked building grain bins across Kansas, Nebraska, and Colorado. He then began a long career with the United States Postal Service in Garnett, where he served as local Postmaster for several years. Roger pursued further training to become a Postal Inspector and was assigned to Norfolk, Virginia, for four years. In 1974, he returned to Kansas to enter the oil business and farming with his father. In 1991, he returned to the USPS in Kansas City, where he worked for 16 years until his retirement in 2007.

In his retirement, Roger remained active and enjoyed the things he loved most. A passionate golfer, he was grateful for the many days spent on the course and the good fortune of achieving four holes-in-one. He also enjoyed mowing, working on various projects, and traveling. Roger and Joyce traveled to 49 states, and although he never made it to Oregon, he cherished the many places they visited, with Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, being a particular favorite. Above all, he loved supporting his grandchildren and attended as many of their activities as he possibly could. Roger was an athlete at heart who loved sports and cherished the lifelong friendships he maintained with his classmates, always looking forward to their reunions.

Roger was preceded in death by his parents, Christopher and Edith Hastert, his brother, Robert Hastert, and his sister, Donna Behlau.

He is survived by his wife, Joyce Hastert, of the home; three sons, Brad Hastert and wife Karen of Emporia, Bryan Hastert and wife Kim of Overland Park, and Steven Hastert and wife Jennifer of Topeka; eight grandchildren, Regan Thomas and husband Christian, Brent Hastert, Grace Hastert, Christopher Hastert, Andrew Hastert, Noah Hastert, Karsyn Hastert, and Chase Hastert; one great-granddaughter, Marlowe Thomas; one brother, Dale Hastert of Garnett; and many nieces, nephews, and friends.

Roger's family will greet friends from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM on Wednesday, May 20, 2026, at Feuerborn Family Funeral Service in Garnett. A private family inurnment will take place in the Garnett Cemetery at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to Garnett Country Club, and left in care of the funeral home. Condolences for the family may be left at www.feuerbornfuneral.com.