Roger was born May 26, 1943 in Beatrice, Nebraska to Joe and Elsie Kovar, and was raised on the family farm near Wilbur, Nebraska. Roger received a bachelor's degree in chemistry (Doane College, Crete, Nebraska) a PhD in inorganic chemistry (University of Wyoming, Laramie, Wyoming), and performed postdoctoral research in organometallic chemistry (Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia).

Roger married Jane Biery of Bellevue, Nebraska on June 21, 1969. Roger was a dedicated educator, working most of his professional life at the University of Northern Colorado (Greeley, Colorado); a chemistry professor from 1970-1983, associate dean and dean of the college of arts and sciences from 1983-1996, and the school's second in command as vice president of academic affairs from 1996-1998. Following his retirement from academic life Roger spent one year as director of the Humane Society of Weld County.

Roger's family includes loving wife Jane, sons, Andy (Kelley) and David (Elizabeth ), grandchildren, Tanner (15), Emily (11) ,Savannah (10) and Roger (7), brothers, Joseph (Nel) and Donald (Betty) , foster brother, Otto (Henrietta), and faithful yellow lab Willie.

Roger ashes will be spread across his beloved small and big game hunting and fishing spots.

A private memorial service will be held at a later date.