CLEAR LAKE — Roger LeRoy Harringa, a U.S. Army veteran, longtime builder, developer, outdoorsman and Clear Lake community member whose work helped shape neighborhoods across the area, died Monday, May 18, 2026, at his home. He was 86.
Roger was born November 25, 1939, in Titonka, Iowa, the son of John and Lena Harringa. He graduated from Britt High School in 1958 and later served his country in the United States Army.
His working life reflected a steady drive to build, improve and stay busy. Roger worked for the Iowa Highway Commission, where his duties included survey and bridge inspection work, and later became a bridge superintendent for Winnebago Constructors. He went on to sell homes for John Wick Homes and helped develop neighborhoods in Clear Lake and surrounding communities.
Over the years, Roger built and sold more than 150 homes, including many in the Woodlands subdivision in Clear Lake. Even after retirement, he remained the kind of man who always seemed to have another project, another idea or another piece of work in front of him.
Roger was also a farmer, raising livestock and growing corn and soybeans while working full time. He enjoyed fishing trips to Canada, hunting out West, boating, woodworking and grilling. He was known for his craftsmanship, his attention to detail, his sense of humor and his strong opinions.
Faith and community were important parts of Roger’s life. He was a dedicated member and trustee of Clear Lake United Methodist Church and was involved in helping found Central Gardens of North Iowa in Clear Lake.
Family traditions also meant much to Roger. His children grew up with Sunday School, church and regular family visits that often ended with a light lunch, tea, homemade pies and cookies at his mother’s home in Britt.
Roger’s family also remembers the softer side that came out later in life through his dog, Tini. Though he had long believed animals belonged outdoors, Tini became a beloved companion who won his heart.
Roger is survived by his daughters, Tami Dorr, Dawn Breza, Michelle Hepperly and her husband, Steve, and Jolene Anthony and her husband, Brad; grandchildren Parker, Cassandra, Mitchell, Jessica, Cameron, Brooke and Sean; great-grandchildren Emma, Evelyn, Ryden and Kennedy; stepchildren Heidi Flanagan and her husband, Michael, and John II Colby and his wife, Tari; stepgrandchildren Ashley, Cali, Colby, Lexi, Abbi and JD; his sister, Shirley Ruter; his dog, Tini; extended family; and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Gail; his son, Troy Harringa; and siblings Magdalene Penning, Leona Peters, Deloris Eekhoff and Clarence Harringa.
Funeral services were held Tuesday, June 2, 2026, at Clear Lake United Methodist Church, with military honors conducted by members of Clear Lake VFW Post 4868.
Ward Van Slyke Colonial Chapel is handling arrangements. To read more and see the full obituary, please click here.
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