PIERRE, SD – Jennifer Lee Royka, 51, of Pierre, passed away on January 15, 2024. A service celebrating Jennifer’s life will be held at 11:00am, Saturday, February 3, 2024 at First Baptist Church. Family will be greeting visitors an hour prior from 10:30-11:00am. Burial will take place at a later date.

Jennifer Lee Royka was born on September 1, 1972, in Loma Linda, California, to George and Maxine (Otto) Tessier. Jennifer’s early years were marked by the adventure of living in a military family. She spent her formative years in San Bernardino, California, and later moved to Pierre, South Dakota, where she completed her education, graduating from T.F. Riggs High School in 1991.

Jennifer’s life was a testament to her adaptability and friendly nature. In 1993, she married Jared Royka, an Army serviceman, which allowed her to embrace the life of exploration and cultural discovery. Together, they lived in various locations, including North Carolina, Okinawa, Japan, Texas, and Arizona. Japan, in particular, held a special place in her heart, providing her with cherished memories of a culture and environment that she found fascinating. Visiting Australia with Jared was another memory she cherished of their time together. After her marriage ended, Jennifer returned to her roots in Pierre, where she found the comfort and support of her close-knit family.

Professionally, Jennifer spent many years serving the State of South Dakota. She initially worked in Capitol Protective Services, where she remained for over a decade. Later, she transitioned to the Department of Social Services. Her colleagues will remember her for her meticulous attention to detail and her unwavering commitment to her responsibilities.

Jennifer’s interests were as varied as they were joyful. She relished the simple pleasures of life, such as roller skating, swimming, and bike riding. Camping trips in California with the Dewitts and the Maxeys were among her favorite getaways, as were the concert trips with her sister Brenda. Exploring destinations like Las Vegas and the Sturgis Rally, Jennifer embraced each experience with enthusiasm. A connoisseur of good food, she never missed an opportunity to enjoy a fine steak at Cattleman’s.

Her home was a reflection of her perfectionist nature, with every item meticulously arranged and cared for. Jennifer’s love for her dachshunds, Precious and Rosie, was profound, a passion that began in her childhood with her family’s dachshund, Daisey.

Despite facing significant challenges in her final years, Jennifer confronted each hurdle with remarkable bravery. Her family finds solace in the fact that she is now cradled in the arms of Jesus, free from the struggles she so fought.

Jennifer is survived by her father, George Tessier of Florida; her mother, Maxine Tessier of Pierre; her sister, Brenda Tessier, also of Pierre; aunts and uncles Phyllis (Casey) Hoftiezer, Dick (Carol) Greenwood, Cheryl Masterson, Christine, Omer “Butch” Tessier, and Joyce Tessier, special friends Elmer and Eunice Maxey and their children Sue, Dana and Mike, and a host of beloved cousins and extended family members and friends who will forever cherish her memory. She was preceded in death by her grandparents, Bill Otto, Harriet and Bill Greenwood, and Pat and Omer Tessier; her aunts Pat Greenwood and Lisa Tessier; her uncle Robert Tessier; and her friends Clayton and Bertha Dewitt.

In lieu of flowers, family suggest contributions to PAWS animal shelter or the charity of your choosing.

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