Roger James Wikner

Roger James Wikner obituary

Roger James Wikner

Roger Wikner Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers from Oct. 16 to Oct. 19, 2012.
Wikner, Roger James Age 70, of Wayzata, passed away peacefully at home on October 15, 2012, surrounded by his family. Preceded in death by parents, Oscar and Anna Wikner, sisters, Dorothy and Audrey, brother Gerry, and daughter-in-law, Susan Otteson. Survived by his wife, Shirley, who shared 38 wonderful years of his life; sons, Erik Otteson (Sara), Kirk Otteson (Sara), David Wikner (Kelley); 7 grandchildren, Skye, Sam, Sommer, Alec, Grant, Anna and Joel. As CEO of Miller & Schroeder Financial, Roger was a unique visionary who led the firm to become a pre-eminent leader of underwriting in the financial industry. Roger nurtured his employees, and his compassion was well-known. His professional success and leadership was balanced with an unparalleled devotion to his family. Roger's passions covered land, sea and sky. He was a skilled aviator and a formidable sailing competitor. Shirley, always at his side, was his dedicated copilot and first-mate. He leaves the legacy of a man who lived life to it's fullest, taught by example, was accomplished in every venue of life but humble in nature. His love and guidance was his family's greatest gift. He will be dearly missed by his family along with the countless friends and associates whose lives he touched. Please join us for a celebration of Roger's life Friday, October 19th, 5-8 PM with memory sharing at 7 PM at Gearty-Delmore Plymouth Chapel, 15800 37th Ave. N. & Vicksburg Lane (763-553-1411). Donations in Roger's memory may be directed to LifeSource Organ and Tissue Donation, 2550 University Ave. W., Suite 315 South, St. Paul, MN 55114. Gearty-Delmore 763-553-1411

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Sign Roger Wikner's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

December 7, 2012

LuAnn Johnson posted to the memorial.

November 6, 2012

Dave Larson posted to the memorial.

October 24, 2012

Someone posted to the memorial.

LuAnn Johnson

December 7, 2012

So sorry to hear of your loss Shirley! Steve and LuAnn Johnson

Dave Larson

November 6, 2012

Some people come into our lives
and leave footprints on our hearts
and we are never ever the same.
Well done, Wik.

October 24, 2012

Dear Shirley,

Marhall and I were so sorry to learn of
Roger's passing! We have such fond memories of the days at the lake. I see that your kids are grown and married. I remember when David was born! I hope that all of your good memories will help you at this sad time. M'love, Marlene Miller.

Layney and Arlyn Anderson

October 20, 2012

Shirley and Family ~ Uncle Roger has always been a part of our lives. We remember countless times, from the earliest mmemories at Grandpa and Grandma's cabin, on their cruiser on Cook's Bay, wading through the presents on Christmas Eve, sunfish cookouts at our cottage down the commons. He was always a steady presence as we stood together and said good-bye to family members before him. In later years we got to enjoy Roger as he celebrated life and his good fortune to their fullest.

Even with many memories written on our hearts, it was meaningful to be at the service last night and hear stories of true friendship, adventure and most meaningfully, the impact Roger had on the lives of his friends and family. These stories round out the picture of who our Uncle was.

Your loss is profound and we share a part of that with you as we all grieve Roger's passing and celebrate his life.

Eileen Mitchell

October 19, 2012

Shirley, Kirk and family, I'm very sorry for your loss. Although I only had a chance to meet Roger once, your family made a big impression on me and I'm very saddened by the news of his passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you all during this difficult time.

Bill Mavencamp

October 19, 2012

Shirley and Family,
Really sorry to hear about Roger's passing. Roger always treated Bonnie and I very well. We will miss him!

Bonnie and Bill Mavencamp

Tom Hauge

October 19, 2012

Shirley, Kirk and Family-
My sincere condolences on Roger's passing - although only knowing him for the past several years I enjoyed his candor and zest for life. Godspeed Roger

Dan Sauter

October 19, 2012

Shirley, Kirk, and family,

I would like to express our deepest sympathy to your family during this difficult time. We have a long rich history and Roger was a huge part of our life. He and I had some interesting adventures and I have nothing but fond memories knowing him. Thank you for all you have done for us over the years and our prayers are with you during this time. Please let me know if you need anything.

Dan, Stephanie, and Katerina.

Joe Smith

October 19, 2012

I was very sad to hear of Roger's passing and wish to express my deepest sympathy to Shirley and family. I enjoyed working with Roger and looked forward to our lunches together. I will miss him.

Barbara Knotz

October 19, 2012

My deepest sympathy is sent to you and your family, Shirley.

Peter Milton

October 19, 2012

Shirley & Family: I was very saddened to hear of my great-uncle Roger. Although its been years since I last saw him, I remember him with great fondness and remember a lot of visiting with my Grandma & Grandpa where we would just show up on a warm summer day and hang out. I will miss him. Warm thoughts to you and yours.

Nate Hamment

October 19, 2012

Shirley, Kirk and family, i am sorry to hear about your loss. I had a great time working with you all at Executive. My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family.

October 18, 2012

Shirley,
So sorry to hear of your loss. Last time I saw you and Roger was when my Dad was in Mayo here in Phx for cancer and you made the trip down to see him. He was so happy. Times will be tough as I know how close you and Roger were. He looks so much like my Dad and Grandpa. Take care.

October 18, 2012

Shirley and family: I am so sad that Roger didn't get to live out his days as he should have. My relationship with Roger goes back to earliest childhood. Roger was my uncle, though we were only 5 years apart. I thought of him as an older brother. I adored him, followed him everywhere, got into his fantastic collection of comic books and no doubt irritated him beyond enduring. I never stopped having a warm spot in my heart for Uncle Roger and I never will.

Judi Milton (Anderson)

Bill Shaw

October 18, 2012

Shirley, Kirk, and Family,

I'm so sorry to hear hear about Roger. I also have a lot of fond memories of the old Flying Cloud days. I got to fly with Roger a few times. He was an a great guy.

My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family.

October 18, 2012

Shirley, Kirk and family: I am sorry to hear of the loss of Roger. My prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time. I appreciated working with you and Roger, and the opportunities you gave me when I was the Chief Pilot for you and Roger, at Aviation Charter. I will remember the fond memories (including helping Roger catch your rabbit in his office before your flight). Roger will be missed by many. My love and prayers.
Alan Hoffert

Sig Rishovd

October 18, 2012

Deepest sympathy to Shirley and family.I sold Roger many boats for years.
Greatest guy in the world.

Joel Navickas

October 18, 2012

Shirley, Kirk and Family
I am so sorry to hear about Roger. He was definitely a man who lived life to the fullest. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

October 17, 2012

Shirley I am sorry to hear about the passing of Roger. I have many fond memories working for the both of you as your Director of Maintenance. I remember many trips we made in his King Air 200 N83GA. I will always be grateful to the both of you for allowing me to work for you. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this difficult time.
Tom Groshans

Janet Hines

October 17, 2012

Shirley and family,
I'm so sorry for your loss. Roger was so good to Todd and our family and instrumental in getting Todd his start in the bond business. He was a good friend and wonderful mentor to him. We were always so grateful for his guidance and support. Todd and I so enjoyed our early years of marriage and the adventures we shared with your family in the air on our fun filled trips to Ironwood. I'd like to think he and Todd are reminiscing about those days gone by and sharing a good laugh in Heaven. My thoughts will be with you in the coming days. May your warm memories bring you peace and comfort.
Janet Hendrickson Hines

Brian and Amy (Streeter) Goodwin

October 17, 2012

Our prayers are with your entire family. We have wonderful memories of Roger to cherish and we will miss him very much. Please know how deeply
your loss is felt by all who knew him.

October 17, 2012

Shirley & Family,

I remember Roger as very kind and generous. Many fond memories. My sympathies are with you and your family.

Bruce Maus

October 17, 2012

My thoughts are with the Wikner family on the loss of Roger. I worked for Roger in the Milwaukee office of Miller & Schroeder during the mid-1980's. I will remember Roger's entrepreneurial spirit, extraordinary banking talent and his kind heart. He truly was a mentor for many of us and will not be forgotten. My favorite Roger story is flying into Milwaukee in the King Air during a bad storm. Although I was white knuckled with fear to begin with, I had great confidence in his ability to land the plane until he asked ME (seated in the co-pilot seat), to watch for the runway. OMG, I was then paralyzed with fear. But alas, we landed safely as always. Rest in peace Roger.

Helen Dixon

October 17, 2012

Shirley & Family,

I am deeply saddened at losing such an incredible person - he has touched many in his life time and will always be remembered as a very special person with a brilliant ability for vision. My thoughts and prayers are with you but know that he will live on in your heart through all the incredible memories of your life together.

Carol Anderson

Jason Hall

October 17, 2012

Dear Shirley, Kirk and family. My deepest condolences to you. I will always cherish my time with Roger and your family, especially up in Grand Rapids. Roger will be deeply missed.

Amanda Winkel

October 17, 2012

My family has many wonderful memories of spending time with Roger in Michigan. Sending our love and sympathies to Shirley and the rest of the family.

Jeff Hyland

October 17, 2012

I am so sorry to hear of Roger's passing. I was fortunate to get to know Roger in recent years prior to his accident and enjoyed working with him. Our thoughts and prayers are with Shirley and Rogers and Shirley's family.

Jim Bunke

October 16, 2012

I'm very sad to learn of Roger's passing. He leaves us with many good memories and will not be forgotten.

Patty Fredericks

October 16, 2012

Deepest sympathies to Roger's family. I have many fond memories of working for Roger, flying to meetings all over. Roger was a wonderful boss and I am very sadden at his loss. May God Bless & keep his family and bring them comfort. May Roger rest in the peace & love of our Lord & Savior.

Bryan Bornhoft

October 16, 2012

We'll miss you Roger.
Deepest sympathies to Roger & Shirley's family.

Sandy & Doug Wellumson

October 16, 2012

An old friend from high school and college.

May God's peace be on the family.

Tammy Coffing

October 16, 2012

My heartfelt sympathies to Shirley and the family. God bless.

tom and corrine feinberg

October 16, 2012

We express our deepest sympathies to Roger's family. We had many good time with him, socially and in business.

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Sign Roger Wikner's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

December 7, 2012

LuAnn Johnson posted to the memorial.

November 6, 2012

Dave Larson posted to the memorial.

October 24, 2012

Someone posted to the memorial.