Roger Uecker

Obituary

Roger Lee Uecker was born on February 11, 1948, in Gaylord, Minnesota. He was the son of Melvin and Sarah (Paulmann) Uecker. Roger was baptized as an infant and was later confirmed in his faith as a youth on March 26, 1961, at St. John’s Lutheran Church, Mountville, where he remained a lifelong member. He received his education in Gaylord and was a 1966 graduate of Gaylord High School.

Roger was a member of the 452nd General Supply Company out of Winthrop, Minnesota. The Supply Unit was called up and entered active military service on May 13, 1968. Roger proudly served his country overseas as a member of the United States Army during the Vietnam War until he was Honorably Discharged on August 11, 1969. Roger received the National Defense Service Medal with two O/S Bars, the Vietnam Service Medal and the Vietnam Campaign Medal with 60 DVC. He was the Commander of the New Auburn VFW Post #7266 from 1988-1989.

Roger was united in marriage to Sharon Frauendienst at Zion Lutheran Church in Arlington on November 7, 1969. After their marriage, the couple farmed in Dryden Township until 1985. They moved into Gaylord during the summer of 1994. Roger was employed as a supervisor at Ameriquip in Lester Prairie, a feed mill operator at M.G. Waldbaum’s in Le Sueur and an oven operator at Michael Foods in Gaylord. Roger and Sharon were blessed with three children and they shared 47 years of marriage. 

Roger enjoyed playing many types of cards and belonged to several card clubs. After he retired he began building birdhouses and spent many hours watching birds. He loved dogs, Western movies and wheeling and dealing for cars. Roger cherished the time he spent with his family and friends, especially his wife, children and grandsons.

After a long battle with a blood disorder, Roger passed away peacefully on Friday, March 17, 2017, at the Ridgeview Medical Center in Waconia. He was 69 years of age. Blessed be his memory.

Roger is survived by his:
wife, Sharon Uecker;
children, Russell (Jill) Uecker and Jenny Uecker (Kelly Parpart);
grandchildren, Jordan Uecker and Nicholas Parpart;
sister, Cindy (John) Kowalski;
sister-in-law, LaVonne Frauendienst;
brother-in-law, Brian (Pam) Frauendienst;
nephews and nieces, Andrew and Kaitlyn Kowalski and Ron, Sadie and Rylie Frauendienst;
beloved dog, Winnie;
many other relatives and friends.

Roger was preceded in death by his parents, Melvin Uecker and Sarah Swenson; son, Matthew Uecker; step-father, Harry Swenson; father and mother-in-law, Willard and Marcella Frauendienst; brother-in-law, Gary Frauendienst and many four-legged companions.