November 16, 1950 - October 25, 2025
Roger Dale Kerstein, 74, of Breckinridge, Oklahoma, passed away peacefully on Saturday, October 25, 2025, surrounded by his loving family, after a courageous battle with ALS.
Roger was born November 16, 1950, in Yuba City, California, to Robert Kerstein and Ruth Woods. He grew up primarily in California, working various jobs from a young age to help his mother provide for the family. Roger was a gifted athlete who excelled in all sports, especially track and field.
In 1969, Roger enlisted in the United States Army. While stationed in Germany, he received his draft notice and returned stateside before being deployed to Vietnam. He proudly served as an E-5 Buck Sergeant until his honorable discharge in 1972.
Following his military service, Roger returned to California, loaded everything he owned—including his faithful dog, Penny—into his station wagon, and headed to Oklahoma to begin a new chapter. He started his career with Fairchild Oilfield Service and later joined Shebester-Bechtel in Blackwell, Oklahoma, where he began as a rig hand and worked his way up to operator through dedication and hard work.
On October 2, 1981, Roger married the love of his life, Virginia, with whom he shared 45 wonderful years together and celebrated 44 years of marriage this year. In 1987, they moved their family to Garber, Oklahoma, where Roger began working for Wilcoxen and mastered the art of running downhole production tools on workover rigs. With the encouragement of his peers, Roger took a leap of faith and founded R&M Packer, Inc. in 1996. He poured his heart into building a business he was proud of—often putting in long hours to provide for his family.
Roger retired in 2015, settling at the lake with Virginia. Together, they enjoyed life to the fullest—spending time on their houseboat, fishing, traveling, and cherishing moments with their grandchildren. Their adventures took them to Alaska, Mexico, and across Europe, creating memories they would treasure forever.
Roger will be remembered as a hardworking man who took pride in everything he did, a devoted husband and father, and a loving grandfather who adored his family above all else.
“The Legend has Retired”
He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Ruth; his son, Christopher Kerstein; and his brother, Lee Schwartz.
Roger is survived by his wife, Virginia Kerstein of the home; children Stephanie Fox of Blackwell, OK, Crystal Kerstein of Wichita Falls, TX, Michael Kerstein of Garber, OK, Brandon (Terri) Kerstein of Blackwell, OK, Mindy (Aaron) Bridgeman of Breckinridge, OK, Jeremy (Cory) Kerstein of Broken Arrow, OK, and Raymond (Mikki) Kerstein of Enid, OK. He is also survived by 26 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren, extended family, and friends who loved him dearly.
Funeral service will be Thursday, October 30, 2025 at 2:00 pm in Anderson-Burris Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Justin White officiating. Visitation with the family will be Wednesday evening 5:30 to 7:00 pm at the funeral home. Private family burial will be at a later date in the Garber Cemetery.
Condolences can be made to the family online at Andersonburris.com. Honored to be recognized nationally, the past 6 years, for the Pursuit of Excellence award. Because family matters, let us take care of yours. We are proud to own the only crematory in Garfield county and ensure your loved one receives the care and respect they deserve while never leaving our care. Visit 3002 N. Van Buren, Enid, OK 73703. Call: (580) 233-2700.
