Roger Herman Moede

Roger Herman Moede, 87, was born to Everette and Carolyn/Kelly (Quast) Moede on December 14, 1936, in Wheaton, MN, and died at his home in rural Deer River on December 7, 2024. He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Audrey (Burns), married June 13, 1959; sons Joel (Tami) Moede and Chris (Mindy) Moede; daughter Kelly (Mark) Geiger; grandchildren Hayley (Houston) Matanowski, Taylor (Michael) Jensen, Darian (Cody) Burlison, and Nic (Emma) Geiger; great-grandchildren Zoe Matanowski and Addie Burlison; nieces and a nephew.

Roger graduated from Wheaton High School in 1954 and from Bemidji State Teachers’ College with a major in Industrial Arts and minor in Biological Sciences in 1958. He was employed at Deer River High School from 1958 until 1993 as an Industrial Arts (Shop) Teacher, where he also set up a junior high shop program, created an audio/visual department, and served as a Union negotiator and Range Uniserve representative. A source of pride for Roger was when former students still referred to him as “Mr. Moede.”

Roger was an active volunteer in the Deer River community over the years. He was a Boy Scout and Explorer Scout Leader, member and officer in the Sportsmans Club, Deer River Township Board Member, video operator for many sporting and fine arts events, and member of Lions International (member of the Deer River Lions Club since 1961 when he was sponsored by Bill Henry). Roger took his Lions membership seriously and acquired perfect attendance for more than 60 years, received several service awards, chaired numerous committees and projects, served as a Club officer for many years, and served as Zone Chairman for several years.

Roger was an outdoorsman - took great pleasure in hunting (geese, ducks, deer, etc) and fishing with family and friends. He looked forward to joining his morning coffee group at the Sportsman’s Cafe everyday and winning at the White Oak Casino. Roger greatly enjoyed playing the role of Santa Claus for schools, organizations, businesses, and families during the holiday season and was the Mall Santa in Grand Rapids for over 20 years.

Visitation will be Friday, December 13, 5pm to 7pm, at Carroll Funeral Home in Deer River, and 1pm to 2pm on Saturday, December 14, at the Deer River United Methodist Church followed by the funeral service at 2pm.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Deer River Lions Club or Deer River United Methodist Church.

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