Roger Bigler

Thursday, April 16, 2020 8:54 pm

Roger Bigler, 85, of Decorah, died Tuesday, April 14, 2020, at his home in Decorah. A private family service will be held.

In lieu of flowers: Memorials may be made in memory of Roger to St. John’s Lutheran Church or Locust Cemetery both at 1638 Big Canoe Rd, Decorah, IA 52101. Cards also may be sent to Evelyn Bigler and family at 1312 Laurel Dr., Decorah, IA 52101.

Roger Dean Bigler was born March 20, 1935, the son of Elmer and Telvina (Ellingson) Bigler on the family farm near Sattre area, north of Decorah. Roger grew up on the family farm tending to the animals and working the land along with his family. After country school Roger went to Waukon High School, where he played football, graduating in 1953.

Roger married the love of his life, Evelyn Thorson, January 9, 1955, at Decorah Lutheran Church. Roger and Evelyn rented farms and struggled getting started farming. Finding hard work has its rewards, they purchased a farm near Locust Church area. They raised four children on the farm who worked alongside them and loved growing up in the country swimming in the creek and sledding down the hills. Roger enjoyed his John Deere equipment, farming the land and did custom combining for many years. He sold Triple F Feeds and Archer Oil, earning awards for top sales and served as area manager. Roger was passionate about his faith and served on church council and committees at St John’s Lutheran Church.

Roger and Evelyn found time to travel extensively over the years, including fishing trips to Canada with friends. He enjoyed deer hunting and summer cookouts, and beamed with pride when celebrating with his children and grandchildren.

Roger was known for his friendly personality. He worked hard, enjoyed life, embraced opportunities and encouraged others. His positive attitude and friendly nature served him well over the years, and he left a legacy of friendships and treasured memories.

Roger is survived by his wife, Evelyn; children: Rhonda (Joe Farley) Olsgard, Decorah; Roxanne (Bill) Johnson, Harmony, Minn.; Robert (Barb) Bigler, Ridgeway; grandchildren: Christina (Aaron) Pattison, Jeremy Olsgard, Justin (Tana) Johnson, Erica Johnson, Laura (JJ) McConnell, Leann (Lenny) McIntire, Lindsey Bigler, Faith Clements; great-grandchildren: Tye Anderson, Kelly Gates, Blake and Drew Pattison; Mason, Belle and Graci Olsgard; Annalee, Wesley and Lily Johnson; Zander and Zariah McConnell; Abriana, Landen and Ava Johnson; Layla and Kysen McIntire; Zoey Bigler; Payten and Kneila Steineib; siblings: Ethel Ellingson, Decorah; Ellen (Douglas) Dickman, Decorah; David (Colleen) Bigler, Decorah; in-laws: Janice Holten, Cedar Rapids; Nathan (Sandra) Thorson, Cresco; Phylliss Blaess, Burr Oak; Arthur (Linda) Thorson, Plover, Wis.; Katherine Thorson, Decorah; Elton (Vicki) Thorson, Decorah; and Cheryl (Steven) McConnell, Decorah; along with many nieces and nephews.

Roger was preceded in death by two children, Rodney Bigler and a baby in infancy; parents, Elmer and Tilvina (Ellingson) Bigler; brothers: Kermit, Wilbur, George and Kenneth; father and mother-in-law, Ernest and Thelma (Folkedahl) Thorson; brothers-in-law: Howard Holten, Richard Blaess and Tommy Ellingson.