Roger Shoemaker passed away peacefully at home on January 11, 2023. Born December 11,1933 in Wyoming, Illinois, Roger was the third son of Harley C. and Ruth (Garden) Shoemaker. He grew up on a farm in Wyoming before moving to California his senior year of high school. In 1958 he graduated from Fresno State College (now the University of California at Fresno) with a degree in engineering. He met Sue Halls on a blind date and they married in 1960. Roger and his father and brothers, Don and Harley Shoemaker, operated truck stops in Ventura, California and Gallup, New Mexico. In 1969 Roger, Sue and their three children moved to Lincoln to join his brothers in the family business, Shoemaker's Truck Stop, just off of Interstate 80 on the west side of town. Roger and Sue's fourth child was born in Lincoln. He left the family business in 1983 to pursue other entrepreneurial interests.

Roger was active in the Presbyterian Church throughout his adult life. He was a charter member of Eastminster Presbyterian Church (now Community Church) in Ventura, California. In Lincoln, Roger and Sue attended Eastridge, Westminster, and, since 2006, Southern Heights Presbyterian Churches. He served over time as a deacon and elder, and as a lay preacher. He held offices as both Commissioner and Vice Moderator of the Synod of Lakes and Prairies in the early 2000s and was the Moderator of Homestead Presbytery in 2000.

Focused on mission, Roger took part in mission trips and youth ski trips while attending Westminster. Roger and Sue traveled to East Germany in 1989 as a part of the first partnership visit between Lincoln Westminster and the Free Evangelical Lutheran Church in Lohmen, East Germany. Through multiple visits to Lohmen and hosting friends from Lohmen in Lincoln, Roger formed lasting friendships and was spurred to engage in more international outreach. He traveled to Prague, Czech Republic to work with the Synod there, and to Oradea Romania on behalf of the church.

Roger will be remembered for his penchant for problem-solving, his joy in talking to all kinds of people, his love for the church, and his dedication to providing for his family.

Roger was preceded in death by his wife, Sue. He is survived by his children Deborah (John) Burgess, Pittsburgh, PA; Bruce Shoemaker, Tucson, AZ; Glen Shoemaker, Durango, CO; Elizabeth Shoemaker (Andrew Huot), Toronto, Ontario; and six grandchildren.

His memorial service was Monday, January 30 at Southern Heights Presbyterian Church, 5750 S 40th St, Lincoln. Memorial gifts may be made to Southern Heights.