Roger Saalsaa
June 19, 1934 - June 21, 2025
Obituary
Roger Elden Saalsaa, 91, passed away on Saturday, June 21, 2025 at the Monroe Clinic Hospital.
Roger was born on June 19, 1934 to Myrto and Genevieve (Steiner) Saalsaa at his childhood home in Wiota Township. He married Gayle Schild on July 3, 1962. They were blessed with six children, Raynold, Julie, Renee, Curt, Harlan and Thomas. Roger had a passion for farming and farmed for a majority of his life. He was especially fond of any and all things John Deere, which led him to a Service Manager position for the company. He served John Deere in Westfield, WI, Elkhart, KS and Kahoka, MO. Eventually, Roger and Gayle found their way back to Wisconsin where he worked for a corporate farm outside of Middleton until he retired at age 84.
Roger loved to fish, but his favorite was ice fishing. He was passionate about his garden, flowers and feeding the birds. They all had his undivided attention and he made sure they were well taken care of. Roger enjoyed taking long drives and extended road trips exploring many states within the U.S. He was very personable and could start up a conversation with anyone, especially if it was ag or farm related in any aspect. Roger was always up for a hot game of euchre and was a great partner if you were lucky enough to end up with him on your side!
He enjoyed spending time with his family and grandchildren. He was very proud of all of them. He tried to make as many school or sporting events as possible. Rooting on his team favorites as his voice carried across the gym or field! Roger was also an avid Badger, Green Bay Packer and Brewers fan. If the teams weren’t doing well, he always had words of advice he could have shared with them!
Roger is survived by his loving wife Gayle. His children Raynold (Valerie) Saalsaa, Julie (Curt) Moran, Curt (Jill) Saalsaa, Harlan (Lonnie) Saalsaa and his son-in-law Greg Boyce. Eight grandchildren, Amanda (Kyle) Minks, Taylor (Callie) Saalsaa, Carson (Shawnna) Saalsaa, Rachel Saalsaa, Hannah (Woodrow) Nelson, Kelsee Saalsaa, Jadyn Saalsaa and Zander Saalsaa. As well as 3 great-grandchildren Avery Minks, Max Minks, Raelyn Saalsaa and other relatives.
He was preceded in death by his parents, daughter Renee and son Tom, mother and father in-law, brother and sister-in-law and nephew.
A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.
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Memories
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Ben Espenscheid
Friend •
Roger invested himself heavily in others. I can recall the station wagon packed with people headed to Yuma, CO to go to a sale to purchase club calves. All was fine til someone needed to pick up a puppy. We knew what he thought of the pup when he peed in the back of the station wagon. He took me in like family as he always has. I pray his passion for agriculture and people continues through his family. Roger was a life-long learner. He always knew what was happening in the agricultural world and was willing to share his knowledge. Rest in peace Roger, the Espenscheid family was truly blessed to have you as a neighbor, friend and mentor..