Roger Nauerth

Roger Lynn Nauerth, age 78, of Manhattan, passed away Sunday, April 27, 2025, at the St. Francis Hospital in Wichita.

Roger was born on March 4, 1947, in Manhattan, the son of Wesley Carl and Marian Evelyn (Nelson) Nauerth. He was raised on the family farm southwest of Keats and graduated from Riley County High School in 1965. He played all sports, but wrestling is what he truly loved and excelled at. Roger continued his education at KSU. Roger worked alongside his parents on their dairy farm in Keats and continued farming with them on Hunter’s Island. Roger continued their farm until his passing.

Roger married his high school sweetheart, Donita Jean Ford on December 23, 1967. They had two children, Jill and Joel. Donita preceded Roger in death in 2004. Roger married Brenda Sue Johnson on July 16, 2022, after knowing each other for years.

Music was important to Roger, and he was in a barbershop quartet in the 1970’s, touring the state of Kansas. He made a lifetime of memories being a part of the Vanhattan Van Club in the 1980’s. He enjoyed golfing, hunting, fishing, and was an avid K-State fan and cheered on the Cats at many bowl games. Roger earned the nickname “Grill Master” for his exceptional grilling and smoking culinary creations.

He is survived by his wife, Brenda Nauerth; his two children, Joel Nauerth (Deb) of Manhattan and Jill Cabrera (Mario) of Buford, Georgia; one sister, Janet Moberly of Mill Creek, Washington; and one grandson, Noah Gray.

Roger was preceded in death by his parents and his wife, Donita Nauerth.

A celebration of Roger’s life will take place at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, May 10, 2025, at the Sedalia Community Church. A family visitation will be held on Friday from 6:00 - 7:30 p.m. at the Anderes-Pfeifley Funeral Home in Riley. Inurnment will take place at a later date at the Sedalia Cemetery.