Obituary for Roger J. Steiger

Roger was born on August 24, 1942, in West Salem, WI to Alfred and Florence (Williams) Steiger. He is the youngest of 3 brothers, with his older brother Robert, preceding him in death. His oldest brother, Kenneth, still lives on the family farm in Barre Mills. Roger graduated from West Salem High School in 1960 and married his high school sweetheart Marietta (Justin) on September 22, 1961. They were members of the West Salem Presbyterian Church for many years. He worked for Goodyear Tire Service as a manager in La Crosse for 30 years. Roger and Marietta moved to Rochester, MN in 1985 where he began working for Hanson Tire Service in Leroy, MN. He was active in the Bethany United Methodist Church, where you could often find him playing his saxophone during worship service.

His wife sadly battled cancer for many years, with him by her side as primary caretaker until her passing in August 2002. He was married to Phyllis (Reitmeyer) from 2003-2013.

The last ten years of his life were spent with his cherished companion Marilyn Brewster, who traveled and attended music events with him. Roger had a passion for music. After his retirement, he spent much of his time playing saxophone with different musical groups, church events, family reunions, and anywhere there was a gathering of his friends and family. His love of music brought many friends into his life from all over the country, who he enjoyed visiting between his trips to and from his winter home in Texas. The joy of his music will be greatly missed by his loved ones. Roger was preceded in death by his wife, Marietta Steiger, and his older brother, Robert (Catherine) Steiger.

He is survived by his oldest brother, Kenneth (Kay) Steiger and two daughters, Sherri (Scott) Meyer and Sally (Neil) Fischer. He also leaves behind four grandchildren: Jacob (Chad) Henry, Riley (Kathryn) Holte, Rachel (Cameron) Olson, and Alicia (Matt) Hefti. Additionally, Roger has one great-grandchild, Declan Olson, the son of Rachel and Cameron Olson.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Thursday, May 8, 2025, at West Salem Presbyterian Church. Pastor Dan McCurdy will officiate. Burial will follow in Hamilton Cemetery. A visitation will be held from 9:30 a.m., until the time of service at the church.

Memorials are preferred and may be directed to West Salem Presbyterian Church.

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