Roger is a warm and engaging man with a resilient spirit. Born in North Minneapolis in 1950 to Horace and Betty, he grew up with two brothers, Jim and Bob, and a sister, Mary, who now lives in Kansas City. North Minneapolis was a tough place to grow up—Roger recalls being beaten up a few times in high school—but he also remembers having many good friends, especially in band, where he played trumpet.
After high school, Roger worked tossing pizzas before earning his accounting degree from the Minnesota School of Business, following in his father’s footsteps. He worked as an accountant for about ten years before joining UPS, where he later met his wife, Teresa, his supervisor at the time. Roger’s first wife, Kathy, passed away, and together they had two sons, Bob and Tom. Today, Tom lives in the Twin Cities and Bob in the state of Wyoming. Between his boys, Roger has five grandchildren.
Roger loved his years at UPS but suffered a major stroke at age 57 that forced him to retire. In total, he has survived thirteen strokes and considers himself not only lucky to be alive, but to be capable of enjoying a fulfilling life. While apparently his short-term memory is somewhat compromised, Roger is a lovely companion and a very enjoyable conversationalist. Before his health challenges, he loved golf, working on cars, and playing music. He played guitar and sang in a rock band called The Generation Gap, performing songs like “Stairway to Heaven.” Music remains a big part of his life—he owns several guitars and a ukulele, and used to serenade members of the White Bear Senior Center.
Roger enjoys talking about cars, especially his restored red 1992 Mustang hatchback and his 1912 home, which he lovingly renovated. He’s also proud to share that poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow is among his ancestors.
Roger continues to live life with gratitude, humor, and heart.
