Roger Frank Moellers

Monday, September 18, 2017 2:34 pm

Roger Frank Moellers, 82, of Ossian, passed peacefully Thursday, Sept. 14, 2017, at Eastern Star in Decorah, a where he lived for the last seven years. Visitation was from 4 to 7 p.m. with a 7 p.m. scripture service Monday, Sept. 18, at St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church, Ossian. There is a one-hour visitation before Mass at the church Tuesday. Mass of Christian Burial is at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 19, at St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church, Ossian, with Rev. Robert Gross as the celebrant. Burial follows at St. Francis de Sales Cemetery, Ossian, with military rites. Schmitz-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service, Ossian, is helping the family with arrangements.

Roger was born Jan. 22, 1935, the youngest son of Felix and Margaret (Heying) Moellers in Ossian. He was baptized and confirmed in his faith at St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church, Ossian. Roger received his education at the De Sales Catholic School.

Roger served his country in the United States Army, enlisting April 20, 1955, and serving as SP 4th class. He was stationed in Korea. When coming home from Korea Roger crossed the dateline so he celebrated his 21st birthday two days in a row. He went to sleep after celebrating his birthday and then woke up the next day to his birthday. Roger was honorably discharged Feb. 4, 1957, and returned home to the family farm.

Roger and Irene met through letters when he was in Korea. Irene was writing letters to her brother who was serving with Roger. Her brother asked her to write letters to his friend also. When Roger got back they dated. Roger was united in marriage with Irene Mary Winter April 16, 1958, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Waucoma. Six children were born to this union. Together, they made their home on the Moellers family farm and lived in the little house until the family grew too large and they switched houses with Felix and Margaret. Irene passed away May 21, 1985. Roger and Irene loved to square dance and to farm.

Roger moved off the home place to his second farm and continued farming with his son, Ron on the home farm. He stayed there until moving to Eastern Star Sept. 30, 2010.

Roger is survived by five children: Irene (Gerald) Krivachek of Fort Atkinson, Ronald (Barbara) Moellers of Ossian, Debra (Darrell) Schmelzer of Ossian, Donna (Ron) Nesvik of Ossian and Rodney Moellers of Ridgeway; grandchildren: Melissa Krivachek, Melanie (Brian) Vobr, Maxwell (Marisa) Krivachek, Dustin (Katie) Moellers, Dereck (Starlette) Moellers, Devin Moellers, Blair (Kim) Schmelzer, Jason (Karli) Schmelzer, Matthew Schmelzer and Nicholas Schmelzer, Mitchell (Danielle) Nesvik and Tyler (fiancée, Jazmine Olson) Nesvik; great-grandchildren: Kalissa, Cordell, Violet, Adalyn, Tristan, Zane, Dawson, Isabella, Bailey, Madison, Paisley and Ryker; step-grandchildren, Eric Riley and Elizabeth (Ryan) Riley; step great-grandchildren: Cole, Jamison, Alayna; sisters, Betty (Leonard) Kuboushek of Spillville and Margaret “Toots” Hager of Muscatine; sister-in-law, Dorothy Holthaus of Cresco; and many cousins, nieces and nephews.

Roger was preceded in death by his wife, Irene Moellers; parents, Felix and Margaret Moellers; son, Roger Jr.; step-grandchild Shane, brothers: Raphael (Esther) Moellers, Rufus (Betty Lou) Moellers and Ireaneus (Catherine) Moellers; brother-in-law, Robert Hager; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Louis and Johanna Winter; and many Winter family members.