of Montrose, MN
January 16, 1941 – November 19, 2023
Visitation
Monday, November 27, 2023
4:00 – 8:00 p.m.
The Peterson Chapel – Buffalo, MN
Memorial Service
Tuesday, November 28, 2023
2:00 p.m.
with visitation continuing one hour prior to the service
Zion Lutheran Church – Buffalo, MN
Rodger Calvin Hessedal, age 82 of Montrose, MN, passed away unexpectedly, but peacefully at his residence on November 19, 2023.
Rodger was born the son of Herman & Frieda (Ehrich) Hessedal on January 16, 1941 in Red Wing, MN.
Rodger served his country for eight years in the United States Air Force. While stationed in Madison, WI he met the love of his life Sandra (Pease). The couple was married on October 23, 1965 at St. John’s Lutheran in Madison, WI and this union was blessed with birth of three children, Andrew, Peter & Kimberly.
Rog was a very humble person, serving others from his heart. He served his community by being a Boy Scout Leader to Eagle Advancement for 40 plus years, and was a Sunday School teacher at Zion Lutheran in Buffalo, MN for approximately 35 years and being a Salvation Army bell ringer in the later years.
Rodger began his working career for Honeywell and then became a foreman lineman for Wright Hennepin Electric in Rockford, retiring in 2003 after 30 plus years of service.
He will also be remembered as the guy who picked up trash along County Road 12. He spent many hours walking and always had a wave for every car that went by. Some people even stopped to say he started their day on a good note by being on the receiving end of his wave.
Rodger is survived by his wife of 58 years, Sandra; children, Andrew (Bonnie) Hessedal, Peter (Siripapha) Hessedal and Kimberly (Billy) Sankey; grandchildren, Ridge Hessedal, Nathan & Charles Hessedal and Abi & Auni Sankey; siblings, Deanna Tiddle, Dorothy (John) Nelson, Kenneth (Sue) Hessedal and Sylvia Sarazen; brothers-in-law, Bruce (Karen) Pease and Brian (Gale) Pease; also many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
He is preceded in death by his parents.
Our spouse, father and grandfather was a humble and quiet cornerstone of our family. We hope you had the pleasure that we did of having him be a part of your life too. Rog, Dad, Grandpa – you will be forever missed and loved. Those who leave massive voids in our lives are the kind of people that only a few are so lucky to be gifted with in a lifetime – and we were all so blessed.
Interment will be in the Kreidler Cemetery in Montrose, MN
Roger had many charities he actively supported – the Salvation Army Red Kettle, Union Gospel Mission (Saint Paul) and World Vision. In lieu of flowers memorials are preferred or spend an hour of your time picking up litter along a local roadway in honor of Rodger.
So Blessed by the time I spent with Rodger in the Scouting program.
Without Scouting we would have never crossed paths. I too on several occasions were the recipient of the Rodger wave and stopped to talk a time or two. Blessed to have had you in my life Rodger. Many Thanks for your eternal contribution to the lives of all the young men and women of the Scouting Program.
Fly high airman.
And Semper Fi
From your Marine Friend.
So sorry to hear about the loss of your loved one. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.
Uncle Rodger was my God parent, a mentor to me in my middle school years and a role model as I became a parent. The times spent attending to my grandfather’s (his father) needs were treasured. The weekly car rides were times to hear about his youth, speak about our families and conversing about God in our lives.
As a kid, we always had family gatherings at their homes. Rodger would always lead the blessings and make everyone feel welcome. Every Valentines Day, he would mail me one of the Valentines you give out as a pack in school. He never forgot my birthday and I regret not sharing how much he impacted me as a young man and leading into being an adult.
I am grateful Rodger is in Heaven, preparing a home for us. Rodger passed on a Sunday and for that I am grateful. God finally told Rodger that it was the Sabbath and it was okay for his body to rest. His spirit will live on through his beloved family, friends and actions.
I hope now he hears me saying thank you and know how much he means to me.
Roger was the Best of Men. I knew him well! I always respected Roger and the way that he served his God and his community. There are too few of Men like Roger. May he rest in eternal peace.
We are so sorry to hear of your loss. What a kind and giving individual Rodger was. We got to know him well while working with VBS projects at our house. He never turned down a coffee break or meal. County Road 12 may not be the same without the friendly wave and cleaning up our environment. Our thoughts and prayers are with you Sandy and your family. God bless!
So sorry to hear about the loss of your loved one.
What a kind man to give so many years of service. What a great role model Rodger was for his family & friends.
Very sorry to hear of your loss. Roger was a solid rock and sure led by example!
Thinking of you all and sending some prayers too!
Jim and Jane McCullough
My sympathies to your family. Roger was a generous man who gave his time to help build faith and leadership to so many young people. Husbands, Fathers and Grandfathers like Roger are special people in our lives and will dearly be missed. Peace be with you all
So sorry for your loss. I have known Roger for many years as he taught me in Sunday school and later in life we served on a call committee together such a kind Godly man.
Prayers for Rogers family.
I am so thankful I was able to know Rodger. His friendship and guidance in my years of Scouting with him I will always treasure. His “Old School” wisdom is now in short supply with his passing. Praying for Sandy and family as well as his very generous soul! Rest in peace good and faithful servant, through the mercy of God.