He was born June 23, 1943 to Wendell and Marcella (Kappel) Mathies. He grew up in Brooklyn Park where his first job at 14 was picking potatoes at a neighboring farm. Ever since then, he was thankful for the job opportunities and music gigs he was offered, and took pride in the work he did until his retirement at the age of 71 due to a cancer diagnosis.

Roger and Judy (Boelman) were married on October 7, 1967. Roger told the story many times how Judy’s family gave them love and support in those first years starting out in Marshalltown, Iowa. Roger and Judy welcomed two children, Stacy and Chad. In 1982, they moved to Coon Rapids, MN for his job at Johnson Screens. Roger loved his wife and children with all his heart and always wanted the best for them.

Roger was a self-taught musician and enjoyed singing and playing guitar in rock and roll bands since high school. He was inducted into the Iowa Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2021 as a member of the band Hot Jam from his time in Iowa. He also became an avid golfer joining work leagues, and golfing with friends and family. Rog loved telling a good joke, cooking family favorites, enjoying a perfect summer day barbequing, and honoring the American flag. He never hesitated to thank a Veteran.

Roger is survived by his wife of 57 years, Judy; daughter Stacy (Tim) Lund; son Chad (Lisa) Mathies; grandson Corbin; sisters Jan Lambert and Dawn (Brian) Coughlin; brothers Wayne, Scott (Beth) and Ken (Kathy); brother-in-law Ron Boelman; sister-in-law Linda Karns; and many nieces and nephews.

Open House & Service on Sunday May 25 from 2:00 PM – 5:30 PM at the Anoka American Legion, 400 W Main Street, Anoka MN. Memorial Service at 3:00 PM with luncheon to follow.