Roger Nels Hyatt, 77, of Brainerd, decided to take a well-earned rest on Thursday, October 9, 2025, surrounded by family. Born September 13, 1948, to Leonard and Regina Hyatt, Roger was a lifelong Brainerd guy who knew the value of hard work, a good laugh, and a well-timed eye roll.
In approximately 1969, Roger went to Alaska to fight forest fires and he often spoke of his time there. One of his first jobs was to help build rock cutting machines for a company in Rothsay. He spent many years at Potlatch as a machinist and in shipping as a loader & fill-in foreman. After Potlatch closed, he hauled potatoes for Olsen’s Farms in Ottertail for 18 years.
Roger was an Eagle through and through — a dedicated member for 48 years and part of the foundation of Aerie #287. He held every officer position there, as well as at District 3 and the Minnesota State Aerie, serving as Trustee, Guard (inside and out), Conductor, Chaplain, Vice-President, President, and Jr. Past Worthy President. If there was a title, Roger wore it proudly — and usually with a grin.
Outside of his Eagle duties, Roger enjoyed hunting — especially deer and elk — and looked forward to annual camping trips with his family, which almost always involved some unforgettable “apple antics.” He took great pride in perfecting his injection recipes for deep-fried turkeys and hog roasts, making sure no gathering went underfed or unentertained.
Above all, Roger was a great dad and a cherished grandpa. He will be missed by the love of his life for the past 44 years, Carolyn; children, Stacy Hyatt Dosh and Jeff Hyatt; stepchildren, Laurie Johnston, Randy (Heidi) Kassulker, and Jim Kassulker; 13 grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild (and maybe a couple on the way!); and sisters, Nancy Clark, Mary Jo Hyatt, and Bonnie Yager.
He was preceded in death by his parents; siblings, Karen Brehmer, Donald Hyatt, Patricia Harfield, and an infant sibling; grandson, Charlie Kassulker; and great-granddaughter, Raella Gilbert.
A Celebration honoring Roger’s life will be held at noon on Saturday, October 25, 2025, at the Eagle’s Club (his home away from home) in Brainerd. Family and friends are invited to gather starting at 11 a.m. and stay for lunch and stories after — and yes, Roger would insist you stay.
For the full obituary, click here.