Roger Bratlien

Roger Bratlien, 91 of Fergus Falls, MN died peacefully Saturday morning, February 17, 2024 at Lake Region Healthcare after a brief stay. Despite battling with Myelodysplasia for the past 25 years, he always had a smile for everyone. In meeting Roger, you knew gentleness in its greatest form and the true meaning of kindness.

Born May 15, 1932 at the Zimmerman family farm in Oscar Township, Otter Tail County, MN, Roger was the only child of James Manton Bratlien and Esther Gladys Zimmerman. He went to country school, later graduating from Rothsay High School in 1950. Roger enlisted in the Army and served in Germany from 1952-1954. He returned from the military and studied at Wahpeton Science for TV Repair and Electronics and took a job with Hintgen Karst as a radio / TV repairman. He was later employed at the Bakery in Fergus Falls, retiring in 1994 after 33 years. Roger drove his '55 Chevrolet to work every day, in all hours of the day and night, retiring it the same day he retired.

Roger was a quiet, humble man who will be remembered by his family and friends for his calm demeanor, fix-it skills and thriftiness. He was creative and could fix just about anything, sometimes even before it was broken. Everything was done with patience and perfection, and he threw nothing away before its time. He enjoyed tinkering on his vintage cars, helping his children with home repairs, and had a green thumb like Esther growing both flower and vegetable gardens.

He met his lifelong partner Lois Milbeck at a dance when he was in the band Bud and his Buddies. They married in a private family ceremony on October 18, 1958 at Maine Presbyterian Church in Otter Tail County, MN. He and Lois celebrated 65 years of marriage in October. Their lifelong love is a testament to their children and grandchildren of honor and commitment.

Together they have three children, Kevin (Dawn) Bratlien of Underwood, Kathy (Nick) Sharp of Minneapolis, and Karla (Doug) Green of Fergus Falls.

He was a loving grampa to Jimmy (Audra) Bratlien, Desta Sillerud, Wesley (Samantha) Green, Jared Green, Klara Hermes, Jack Hermes, and Eden (Claire) Sharp; his great-grandchildren Andrew, Ethan and Addison Sillerud, Lincoln and Lyla Green adored him.

The family of Roger would like to thank the doctors, nurses and staff at the Fergus Falls Cancer Center and Lake Region Healthcare for their kindness and care.

Forever in our hearts.

Memorial Service: 1:00 p.m. Saturday, March 2, 2024 at Olson Funeral and Cremation in Fergus Falls, with visitation one-hour prior to the service at the funeral home.

Clergy: Reverend David Strom

Arrangements provided by Olson Funeral and Cremation in Fergus Falls.

Online condolences may be sent to www.olsonfuneralhome.com