euskalkultura.eus

09/14/2026 - Elko, Nevada, USA

Roger Dominique Izoco was born on November 13, 1973, in San Francisco, California, to Jean Pierre and Anita Izoco - the long-awaited baby brother of two older sisters. From the very beginning, Roger was an active, fearless child who could not sit still.

In 1976, the family moved to Gardnerville, Nevada, where Roger was raised at his parents' motel, the Sierra Motel. Everyone pitched in with the family business, and Roger was no exception - though he was more often caught sneaking a moment in front of the TV than finishing his chores.

Roger became the class clown, always joking around and keeping the classroom lively - and often disruptive. He was athletic, full of energy, and loved the San Francisco Giants and the 49ers. His lifelong love of cars first took hold in high school.

In 1993, Roger moved to Phoenix to attend UTI Technical Institute, earning his degree in Automotive/Diesel Technology in 1996. He followed his sisters to San Francisco, landed his first job in a garage, and joined the San Francisco Basque Club Klika marching band.

In 1998, Roger moved to Elko, Nevada - because his heart, in truth, had always belonged to Nevada. He never missed his hunting trips; they were sacred to him every year, from childhood into adulthood. He loved the outdoors, and fishing and hunting always gave him an adrenaline jolt or a deep sense of renewal.

Roger spent sixteen years as an underground mobile maintenance mechanic for Barrick Goldstrike before finishing his career at Gallagher Ford. Throughout his career, Roger gained deep experience across both the automotive and heavy equipment industries. He believed that having the right information was often his best tool, but he never shied away from thinking outside the box.

Roger was deeply proud of his Basque heritage. He began Basque dancing as a young boy and later joined an adult dance group in Elko, Beti Egarri. He simply loved to dance. He belonged to both the Gardnerville Basque Club and the Elko Basque Club and was always ready to lend a hand at their biggest events. He loved playing music with his family and in tournaments.

It was in this Basque world that Roger finally met his match - Yusenka. They married in 2003 and have been inseparable ever since. Watching Roger and Yusenka dance together was like seeing their love in full view; they knew each other inside and out. Roger was famous for his great big bear hugs - the kind that actually hurt - and for dancing like there was no tomorrow. His dance partners would come away spun around so enthusiastically... all except Yusenka, the only one who could keep up with him.

Roger built himself a dream garage bigger than his own house, complete with a lift, and it became a neighborhood institution - open door, cold Budweiser always waiting. He was always working on someone's car, and people called him constantly for everything from car trouble to general advice.

Roger loved accordion music, and he loved his family fiercely, cherishing time with them. Anyone who met Roger had a story of him - he made you feel welcome, was happy to lend an ear, and was always the first to offer to help with whatever you needed doing. He was a very good friend to many and often put others before himself. He loved having his wife by his side all the time, but especially enjoyed their Sundays together, as it was their only day off.

Roger passed away on September 14, 2026. His family finds comfort knowing he is now with loved ones again. When you see Roger again, you can bet he has a garage up in heaven, welcoming us all when it's time.

Roger was preceded in death by his father, Jean Pierre; his mother-in-law, Anna Urrizaga Alberdi; his grandparents, Jean and Emelia Zubillaga, Michel and Agnes Izoco; and his uncles and aunts. He is survived by his wife of 23 years, Yusenka; his mother, Anita; his sisters, Aline (Philip) Izoco Elicagaray and Caroline (Jean Luc) Izoco Chiramberro; his sister-in-law, Malaina (Chad) Fesenmaier; and his beloved nieces and nephews: Ysanna, Andoni, Bernard Fesenmaier, Marcel Elicagaray and Mailen Chiramberro; as well as aunts, uncles, and an army of cousins.

Remembrances may be made to work ethic scholarships or to a Basque charity of your choice.

A Funeral Mass will be held on Monday, October 5, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Joseph's Catholic Church, with a reception to follow at the Elko Basque Clubhouse.

(published by Elko Daily, Legacy.com on Sep. 22, 2026)

Goian Bego - May Rest in Peace