Roger Allen Heiden, Sr was born on October 17, 1939 as the third and final child of Leo and Lucille (Smith) Heiden.

He was a 1958 graduate of Dundee High School and was a farmer for several years. He worked at France Stone Compay and then Dundee Castings Co. until retiring in 2006.

On January 10, 1970, he married Nancy Eipperle at the East Ida Immanuel Lutheran Church. They had three sons.

Roger died on December 29, 2024 at the age of 85. Nancy who was born on November 11, 1937 preceded him in death on June 17, 1999 at the age of 61.