Roger Alden Chatfield

Roger Alden Chatfield, 86, of Montrose, Iowa, passed away Tuesday, September 15, 2026, at Montrose Health Center.

He was born May 2, 1940, in Keokuk, Iowa, the son of Alden Browning and Elva Mae Dresser Chatfield. Roger graduated from Montrose High School with the class of 1958 and later graduated from Keokuk Community College in 1960.

Roger was a veteran of the United States Army National Guard, Keokuk Armory and proudly served his country for six years.

On July 24, 1960, Roger was united in marriage to Mary Sue Megchelsen in Montrose, Iowa, with her grandfather, Reverend Karl Megchelsen, officiating. Together they shared sixty-six years of marriage. She survives.

He is also survived by his son, Alan B. (Elisabeth) Chatfield of Montrose, Iowa; daughter, Joan C. Ealy (Eric) of Mt. Pleasant, Iowa; grandchildren, Nathan Ealy, Kristen Ealy (Pat Greitzer), Meredith Bridges (Sawyer), Austin “Bryce” Chatfield and one sister, Ruth Ann Brown (Ted); sister-in-law, Kay Kite; several nieces and nephews; and bonus children, whom he loved like his own, John Patterson (Pam), Diana Roberts (Rick) and bonus grandson, Justin Brownlee.

He was preceded in death by his parents and one brother, Richard Chatfield.

Roger was a lifelong farmer who learned the value of hard work and caring for the land from his father. He farmed raising cattle, hogs, horses and crops and took great pride in being a good steward of the land he worked.

His faith and his community were also very important to Roger. He was a faithful member of the Montrose Trinity United Methodist Church, where he sang in the church choir for many years, held several church offices and helped lead the youth group. He was a founding member of the St. Barnabas Community Choir and the Montrose Riverfront, Inc. Roger was always willing to lend a helping hand, and he was especially known for watering the flower planters throughout Montrose each year as part of his community service.

Music brought Roger great joy throughout his life. While in high school, he sang in a vocal quartet and took solos to state competition, receiving a number one rating. In August 2025, he and Mary Sue were honored as Iowan of the Day recipients at the Iowa State Fair, a special recognition they shared together.

Roger had a true love for horses. He enjoyed horseback riding and took great pride in raising registered Quarter Horses. He was generous in sharing his love of horses with others, giving horse rides and welcoming people to come out and enjoy the horses. His gentle nature and willingness to share what he loved made these experiences special for many.

Roger enjoyed spending time with his family and friends and never met a stranger. He could often be found enjoying a cup of coffee and visiting with friends, or gathering with them for lunch on Thursdays. He had a gift for making people feel welcome and was always ready to offer a helping hand to someone in need.

A funeral service will be held at 2 p.m., Saturday, September 19 at Vigen Memorial Home in Keokuk with Elaine Foley officiating. Burial with military rites will be in the Montrose Cemetery in Montrose, IA. Friends are encouraged to gather after the services at the Montrose Riverfront, Inc.

Visitation will be held from 5-7 p.m., Friday, September 18 at the funeral home with family meeting with friends at that time.

Memorials may be made to Montrose Trinity United Methodist Church or to Montrose Riverfront, Inc.