Roger Simmer

Roger Allan Simmer, 65, a resident of Rothsay, died Tuesday, March 15, 2011, after a battle with cancer at the Fargo VA Hospital Palliative Care Unit in Fargo, North Dakota. He was born December 14, 1945, Fergus Falls, Minnesota, the son of Roquell “Kell” and Florence (Danielson) Simmer. He grew up on the family farm near Rothsay. Roger graduated from Rothsay High School in 1963 and then Fergus Falls Junior College. He enlisted in the U.S. Air Force in 1964. Through the years he served as a Medical Service Specialist for the Air Force, the Reserves, and the Air National Guard. Upon his discharge he worked for the Veterans Administration in Topeka, Kansas and Albuquerque, New Mexico. He returned to the Rothsay area in 2000 to help care for his parents, and has continued to reside there. He worked various jobs over the years. He and Ava Roberts were married in 1968 in Topeka, Kansas. Roger received his pilot’s license while in the Air Force and he loved flying and giving others rides in his airplane. He enjoyed traveling and seeing new places, and spending time at the lakes. He would always remember to bring a treat home from town for Butch’s dog, Maverick, each week. He loved listening to the music of Mannheim Steamroller. Spending time with family and especially with his great nieces and nephews brought him much joy. Preceding him in death was his mother, Florence. Survivors include his father, Roquell “Kell” Simmer of Fergus Falls; two brothers, Vernon (Joan) Simmer and Calvin “Butch” (Joan) Simmer, all of Rothsay; nieces and nephews: Joel (Connie) Simmer, Dawn (Lyle) Lelm, Julie (Jason) Carlson, Amy Simmer, and David (Laura) Simmer; and numerous great-nieces and great-nephews. Visitation: 5-7 p.m. Friday at the funeral home with a 6:30 p.m. prayer service, and resumes one hour prior to the service Service: 10 a.m. Saturday, March 19, 2011, at Olson Funeral Home in Fergus Falls Clergy: Reverend Leon Andersen Interment: Rothsay Baptist Cemetery, rural Rothsay Funeral Home: Olson Funeral Home in Fergus Falls