Roger Wade Farsdale

Roger Wade Farsdale, 66, of Underwood, passed away on Tuesday, March 1, 2016, at the Broen Home in Fergus Falls, after a yearlong battle with cancer.

Roger was born on October 18, 1949, the son of Wade and Cordy (Bakko) Farsdale. Born and raised in rural Walcott, he attended the Walcott School and graduated from Kindred High School in 1967. He attended Concordia College in Moorhead, MN, for two years and then graduated with a BA in Music from Valley City State University in 1971. His teaching career started in Goodrich, ND, where he taught briefly before moving to Underwood, MN, in 1973, where he taught music for 34 years. On August 8, 1970, he married Mary Klaksvik, daughter of Selvin and Lorraine Klaksvik at Tingvold Church in Underwood. Roger and Mary were blessed with 2 children, Sarah and Ryan.

Roger had a passion for music and all who knew him would attest. In addition to teaching music, he was the church organist at Sverdrup Lutheran Church for many years, where he also directed church choirs and bell choirs. His ability to inspire people on Sunday mornings with the lively organ playing was astounding. His passion for music was most evident in his teaching. He would tell every student that anyone can be taught to sing. The energy with which he taught is still talked about by many students, years after his retirement. In addition to music, he was passionate about his family, especially his grandkids. He made sure to take all of them fishing on the pontoon, ensuring that each one knew how to bait a hook. He and Mary would take the grandkids on educational adventures and have “old fashioned picnics”.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Mary (Klaksvik) Farsdale; his father, Wade Farsdale; and his father and mother in-law, Selvin and Lorraine (Wold) Klaksvik.

Roger is survived by his mother, Cordy Farsdale, Fargo, ND; daughter, Sarah (Paul) Jensen of Fergus Falls, MN; son, Ryan (Mindy Erlandson) Farsdale of Sioux Falls, SD; five grandchildren, Brady, Chase and Abbi Jensen of Fergus Falls, MN, and Caleb and Hope Farsdale of Sioux Falls, SD; brother, Wayne (Marilyn) Farsdale of Walcott, ND; sister, Judy (Jim) Overbeek of Marietta, GA; sister, Sharon (Bruce) Lewis of Barnesville, MN; several nieces, nephews and other extended family, countless friends and students.

Music…it’s a powerful thing! Sing, let the people hear you…you have a song that needs to be sung. Blessed be the memory of Roger Farsdale.

Visitation: 6:00 -8:00 PM on Tuesday, March 8, 2016, at Olson Funeral Home with a prayer service at 7:30 PM and one hour prior to the service at the church
Service: 11:00 AM on Wednesday, March 9, 2016, at Sverdrup Lutheran Church in Underwood
Clergy: Reverend Nancy Monke
Interment: Sverdrup Lutheran Cemetery in Underwood