With broken hearts we share the passing of Rodger Raymond Friermuth of Temecula, California. He passed on September 3, 2026, after a short illness, at 86 years old. He was born in Hastings, Minnesota on August 5, 1940, to his parents Albert and Alvina Freirmuth. He was the youngest of four children, predeceased in death by Alberta, Beulah, and Donald. 

Rodger’s family moved by train to Inglewood, California when he was a baby. There Rodger attended Catholic School and graduated from Inglewood High School. He received an AA degree from El Camino Jr College. He was drafted into the Army in1963 and served in Korea and Vietnam for 3 years. 

Rodger married the love of his life, Vanillia (Jane) Hughes in 1974. Rodger helped raise Jane’s three children, Mike, Brian, and Susanne. Later he and Jane raised their grandson Matt. They were married for over 30 years. Rodger was a devoted husband and father, they built a beautiful life together. Sadly, his wife, Jane, passed away on November 30, 2005. 

Rodger joined LA Unified School District and advanced to project manager working 30 plus years. Rodger used the GI bill to advance his education at Pepperdine University obtaining a Business Degree. He and Jane purchased and decorated many homes over the years, always improving the properties before moving on. 

After Jane’s death, Rodger was retired and wanted to travel. He teamed up with Kathleen Van De Water, a long-time friend. They enjoyed each other’s company and traveled the world for 20 years, often accompanied by good friends Mike and Traci Scinto. They shared another beautiful life together. Rodger is survived by his stepchildren, Leonard Michael (Mike) Foutch, Brian Foutch, (predeceased), Susanne Marie Colella, step grandson Frederick Matthew (Matt) Foutch, numerous nephews and nieces and significant other, Kathleen (Kathy) Van De Water. 

Rodger will be remembered, as he liked to say, “as one of the last of the good guys”. He was always easy-going, never one to worry. He was a devoted and loving husband, father, grandfather, uncle, and friend to many. Rodger will be remembered and loved forever. He is in God’s hands now. Rodger and Jane’s ashes will be interred at Riverside National Cemetery for Veterans on October 13, 2026, at 11am. Funeral to include a military honor ceremony followed by a celebration of his life at his home in Temecula, California.