FAITH, FAMILY, FRIENDS, FARMING - - and MUSIC

If we were to sum up Roger's life in a few words, the preceding caption of five words list the priorities of his life. He lived each day with intent aspiration, no hankering around!

Roger Allen Anderson was born 83 years ago on March 6, 1933 in the midst of the "Great Depression of the 30's".  His parents, Elmer R. and Hazel (Wilson) Anderson lived on a farm 4 miles northeast of Alcester, SD. where Roger was born. Roger passed away on December 6, 2016 in Alcester, SD at the age of 83 years. He lived his entire life within 5 miles of Alcester.

Roger is a life time member of the Alcester Baptist Church. It is here where he learned to know his Lord and accepted Him as his Lord and Savior and was baptized by Rev. Herbert Peterson at an early age. He has diligently served Him throughout his life serving in many capacities. Above all, serving as a choir director, song leader, and singing with his favorite men's quartette of the church for years, has been his most life-fulfilling inspiration of all. Gospel music has always been a favorite. He has used his voice as soloist at numerous weddings and funerals for years. He also enjoyed singing for residents of many nursing homes in the area. Community choirs and singing with "The Good News Four" quartette with the Buum family were further years of enjoyable memories. For ten years, Roger organized and decorated the Alcester Park for a "Living Nativity" Christmas event. The true meaning of Christmas was presented with help from volunteers of the community and churches.

Roger received his early education at the Dodd & Cole country schools and graduated from the Alcester High School in 1951. Roger was active especially in FFA and music, taking part in band and chorus. He earned the State Farmer degree his senior year and served as state FFA president. He also sang in the national FFA choir at the National FFA convention in Kansas City where he also earned the highest degree in FFA, the American State Farmer. He was unable to personally receive this honor because he was serving overseas with the armed forces at this time. Roger always loved sports. Many sporting events with his kids and later grandchildren participating, has been the joy of his life. They will always remember hearing Grandpa shouting words of encouragement from the stands!

Roger was very active in 4-H work most of his life. His dad was one of the leaders who formed the A-1 Alcester Livestock 4-H club when Roger was old enough to become a member. Roger was a member, leader, & supporter all his life. There was nothing he enjoyed more than selecting and showing calves and hogs at the county and state fairs. This continued on through the years of his four children's participation and then with his grandchildren. Many family memories are filled with days of attending the local & state fairs!

Roger married his high-school sweetheart, Donna M. Clementson, on September 19, 1951 at Nathanael Lutheran Church. After only of six months of marriage, Roger was drafted into the army. While in basic training, the Korean War truce was signed. Roger's orders were changed from going to Korea, to Toul, France where he served for the next 1 ½ years, coming home in April of a 1955.

It did not take long before Roger was back on the tractor and feeding the cattle. Roger was born a farmer!

This desire was with him to the end. He was only 6 or 7 when he was with his dad on the tractor and that is where he wanted to be. He couldn't wait to get home from school to see what he could do to help dad . He and his dad were great partners!   When Roger could no longer get in the tractor and combine, he went to the lawn mower and not a weed was missed for miles! Keith said he had the only mower with 10,000 miles on it. Just a few weeks ago, we sat in the car and Roger saw the end of the harvest of 2016 completed. He commented, "there is nothing more beautiful than watching that golden corn flowing from the combine into the grain cart"!

Survivors are: wife Donna -   Children Darla (Doug) Reppe, Keith (Lori) of Alcester Mary Jane (Chris) Rasmussen, of Viborg, SD, Kent (Angie) Anderson of Wall, SD, Sister, Audrey (Bill) Scheri of Cocoa Beach, Florida – 12 grandchildren & their spouses, 15 great-grandchildren, many cousins, nieces & nephews and multiple friends.

"Only one day will soon be past,

Only what's done for Christ will last"

Funeral services will be held 10:30 AM, Friday, December 9, 2016 at Alcester Baptist Church with burial to follow at Pleasant Hill Cemetery, Alcester. Visitation will be Thursday at the church from 5PM to 7PM with a prayer service at 7PM.