Roger Klingberg, of Prior Lake, passed away on February 23, 2016. A Celebration of Life Service is Tuesday, March 1, 2016 at 11:00 AM with visitation from 9:30 – 11:00 AM at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Prior Lake. Pastor John P. Vaughn will preside, and Roger will be laid to rest at St. Paul’s Lutheran Cemetery. Pallbearers for Roger are Glen Klingberg, Greg Klingberg, Cody Cloos, Logan Cloos, Dave Gerdes, Kevin Gerdes, Bruce Gerdes, and Jeff Gerdes.

On January 17, 1938, Otto and Maria (Schuldt) Klingberg celebrated the birth of their son, Roger Otto. He was the youngest of four children and loved growing up on the family farm with his siblings, Donna, Merlin and Leland. As a boy, Roger spent much of his time outdoors. He loved riding his little white horse around the farm and shooting his BB gun. His BB gun was his most treasured possession until it was taken away when he shot his grandpa’s toe.

After graduating from Prior Lake High School, Roger joined the Army Reserves. He proudly served his country until he was honorably discharged in 1962. Roger then began working for Thermo King in Bloomington. He was a dedicated employee for more than 50 years. When he finally retired, the company didn’t have a gift for that many years of service, because no one had ever worked there that long before.

In the late 1950’s Roger and his buddy flagged down a couple of cute girls who were driving through town. One of those girls was Sharon Kardack, and she turned out to be the love of his life. He took her to Howie’s Cave-In for their first date, and the rest was history. Roger and Sharon exchanged wedding vows on August 19, 1961 at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church. A few years later they started their family and were blessed with their two wonderful sons, Glen and Greg.

They loved spending time together outdoors. Roger taught his boys to hunt and fish and took them on many hunting and fishing trips throughout the years. These trips continued once the boys were grown. Some of their favorite trips were bear hunting and fishing in Canada, the Boundary Waters and Lake of the Woods. No matter where they went, Roger just liked spending time with his boys.

Roger also loved gardening. He kept beautiful flower gardens and grew tomatoes in his backyard. He also spent a lot of time outside feeding ducks and watching the birds that would visit his feeders. Roger also enjoyed taking long drives through the country. Sharon and Roger took many wonderful road trips together. Their most recent trip was to Granite Falls to visit Roger’s brother. They took the scenic river route and enjoyed seeing deer and turkey along the way. They had a wonderful time together, and Sharon will always cherish those memories.

Family and faith were the most important things in Roger’s life. He was a dedicated Christian and took comfort in his faith. Roger was also very fun and always up for a good time. He enjoyed competing in euchre tournaments with his granddaughter, Nickie, listening to polka music and relaxing in his recliner with his cat, Fritz. Roger was a wonderful husband, a great dad, loving grandpa and great-grandpa, and a role model to Sharon’s daycare kids.

Roger underwent heart surgery in September and was working hard towards a full recovery. He was driving home from cardiac rehab the afternoon of February 23, 2016 when he passed away unexpectedly. Roger spent his last moments driving through the country, surrounded by nature.

He will be deeply missed and remembered always by his loving wife, Sharon; sons, Glen (Sheila) Klingberg, Greg (Jamie) Klingberg; grandchildren, Nickie (Justin) Wiley, Cody Cloos, Logan Cloos and Nathaniel Hilton; great-granddaughter, Norah Wiley; siblings, Donna (Marvin) Gerdes and Merlin Klingberg; other loving relatives and friends. There to greet Roger in Heaven are his parents, Otto and Maria Klingberg; brother, Leland (Rachel) Klingberg; sister-in-law, Phyllis Klingberg.

Ballard-Sunder Funeral & Cremation proudly serves the Klingberg family. BallardSunderFuneral.com

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