Former NAFB member Roger Flemmer from KFAB Radio in Omaha, Nebraska has passed. Roger began his career in broadcasting at KFAB in 1968 as a police reporter, then began his trek into farm broadcasting working with Warren Nielson. He became Ag News Director in 1983, taking the reins when Ken Headrick was promoted to station manager.
Roger was known for his signature smile and ability to quickly connect with producers in the region of the station's 50,000 watt signal. The Triumph of Agriculture Exposition Farm & Ranch Machinery Show recognized Roger in 2002 as their Triumph of Agriculture Agri-Award recipient; Roger was recognized again in 2005 when he was inducted into the Nebraska Radio Personalities Hall of Fame. At the time, one admirer wrote: "Good Old Rog became farm director and stayed there until his retirement. He was Mister Steady, always did a job that was professional and always informative. He knew how to dig for facts and information and deliver them, in a no-nonsense style. Not many left like him."
Flemmer was in the U.S. Army when he started his career at a radio station in East. St. Louis, Illinois. From there he worked at a television station in Bismarck, North Dakota and in Grand Island before moving to KFAB in Omaha in 1968. Flemmer started covering the crime beat and as a reporter before accepting the position of agricultural services director. Flemmer retired from KFAB in 2001 after 33 years of exceptional service. He was still a large part of the KFAB family and attended many station events throughout his retirement.
Flemmer is survived by his wife of 57 years, Helen, two children, Mark and Tracy Viles, three grandchildren and many friends.
A Celebration of Life Service is Saturday, July 29th at St. Pius X Catholic Church at 69th and Blondo Street. Visitation is at 9:30 a.m. and the service is at 10:30 a.m.