Roger E. Wallner

Roger E. Wallner, age 95, of Parkers Prairie, died on Wednesday, July 23, 2025, at St. William’s Living Center in Parkers Prairie.

A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m., Monday, August 4, 2025, at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Parkers Prairie with Rev. Kirk Lee officiating. Interment will be held at the Parkers Prairie Cemetery. Full military honors will be accorded by the Minnesota Honor Guard and the Parkers Prairie American Legion Post #219.

*Roger’s funeral service will be livestreamed, with the link available at the bottom of his obituary page approximately 10 minutes prior to the start of the service on Monday.

Visitation is 5-7 p.m., Sunday, August 3rd, at Lind Family Funeral Home in Parkers Prairie and will continue one hour prior to the service at the church.

Roger Elwood was born on July 28, 1929, to Otto and Laurena (Boeder) Wallner in Parkers Prairie. He was baptized and confirmed at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Parkers Prairie. He graduated from Parkers Prairie High School in 1947. Following graduation, he followed the wheat harvest to Montana. After a few years, Roger volunteered for the draft and served in the U.S. Army, completing basic training in Texas before being stationed in Japan for a year. After his honorable discharge, he returned to Montana to harvest for the summer before enrolling at North Dakota State College of Science in Wahpeton, where he earned his journeyman electrical license. Roger was united in marriage to Eloise Ost on April 23, 1955, at Immanuel Lutheran Church. Together they made their home in Silver Bay, where they raised their four children and were active members of the community. Roger worked for Reserve Mining Company in Silver Bay for approximately 30 years. After the company closed, he worked at Lake Superior Paper Mill in Duluth until his retirement in 1992. Roger and Eloise then returned to Parkers Prairie to "roost." They often kept an eye on friends’ homes while they were wintering down south and enjoyed spending two winters in Texas themselves. Roger was a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church and was known for his servant’s heart. He was often found fixing things around the church, giving rides to fellow members, serving as an usher, and helping with custodial work. He and Eloise were also part of the Tuesday morning Bible study for 30 years. Roger enjoyed deer hunting, fishing, gardening, and “puttering” — taking his time fixing things. Above all, he loved spending time with his family.

The family would like to share one of Roger’s favorite sayings: “Domo arigatou,” which means “thank you” in Japanese — a heartfelt expression of gratitude to the staff at St. William’s Living Center and Hospice of Douglas County for their exceptional care.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and brothers, Howard Wallner and Myron (Joyce) Wallner.

Roger is survived by his wife of 70 years, Eloise; four children, Harold (April) Wallner of Williston, North Dakota, Larry (Delora) Wallner of Waconia, Connie (Jim) Peterson of Superior, Wisconsin, and David (Kathy) Wallner of Lindstrom; brother, Dennis (Vicki) Wallner of Lisbon, North Dakota; sister, Carolyn (Kenneth) Babcock of Fairview, Montana; sister-in-law Lorene Wallner of Enderlin, North Dakota; seven grandchildren, Carl Wallner, Kayla (Pete) Selness, Megan (Matt) Fink, Becky (Alex) Dzikonski, Kurtis (Halle) Peterson, John Wallner, and Julia Wallner; three great-grandchildren, Peyton, Donni, and Calvin; along with many nieces and nephews.

Memorials are preferred to Immanuel Lutheran Church, Parkers Prairie and Faith Lutheran Church, Silver Bay.