Roger Ivan Fritsche, age 91, of Woodbury, MN, died on November 7, 2012 at the Woodbury Healthcare Center, surrounded by his family. Roger was born on September 3, 1921 to W. O. and Augusta (Wendt) Fritsche in Afton, MN. He grew up in Afton on the Fritsche family farm and attended the Ellman School until eighth grade. He would eventually buy the farm from his father where he milked his grade Holstein Herd. In 1946 Roger was diagnosed with polio and spent several months at Fort Snelling recovering. Even though there were some difficulties, Roger never let the disease control his life. In fact, shortly after his recovery, Roger met Betty Rapp at a local dance hall. The two were united in marriage on October 16, 1948. The marriage was blessed with 3 children, Elroy, Arnie and Barbara. Later on, Roger also took on a job at the Lake Elmo Creamery where he made popsicles and dreamsicles. He was given the nickname “Popsicle Pete” by his co-workers. In the 1960’s he sold his milking herd and started as a custodian for St. Paul Insurance Companies. He worked for the company until retirement in 1984. In 1985, Betty passed away. Roger was married in 1988 to Laura Hill and the two eventually settled in Woodbury.

Roger was a light-hearted and hard-working family man. He had a great sense of humor and enjoyed life to the fullest. He liked fishing and playing cards, specifically pinochle and 500 and loved to spend time with friends. Roger was a baseball fan and enjoyed listening to the Twins on the radio. He also always looked forward to spending time with his family and entertaining his grand and great-grandkids.

Roger is survived by his; wife, Laura of Woodbury, sons, Elroy (Nancy) of Osceola, WI and Arnie (Carole) of Woodbury, daughter, Barbara Fritsche of Woodbury, stepsons, Eugene (Vonnie) Hill of Bayport, MN, Ron (Robin) Hill of River Falls, WI, and Timothy Hill of Fremont, WI, grandchildren, David (Leah) Fritsche of Lake Mills, WI, Eric Fritsche of New Brighton, MN, Erin Fritsche of St. Paul, MN, Kevin Fritsche of Osceola, WI, Ashley (Dan) Hill of Appleton, WI, and Tim Hill of Fremont, WI, great-grandchildren, Theodore, Henry, August and Kyla, and many other friends and relatives.

Roger is preceded in death by his; parents, W. O. and Augusta Fritsche, first wife, Betty Fritsche, brothers, Edgar and Russell, and his twin infant sisters.

Funeral services for Roger will be held at 3pm on Saturday, November 10, 2012 at St. Peter Lutheran Church in Afton, MN. Burial will follow at the church cemetery. Visitation will be held for 1 hour prior to services as well as from 4-7pm on Friday, November 9 all at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred. Services are in the care of the O’Connell Family Funeral Home – Hudson chapel. 715.386.3725