Roger M. Risen

1928 - 2026

Roger M. Risen

January 12, 1928 - January 19, 2026

Roger M. Risen age 98, of Altoona, WI, passed away Monday, January 19, 2026 at The Classic in Altoona WI.

Roger was born on January 12, 1928 to Bertha & Bennie Risen in Naples Township in Buffalo County, WI. He was baptized and confirmed at West Bennet Valley Lutheran Church. As a young man, Roger and his brother Allard managed the family farm along with their father. Throughout his life, Roger always had a love and fondness for horses.

On April 22, 1950 Roger married Mary Jean Derouin at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Eau Claire. They were married for 72 years before Mary Jean's passing in 2022. Roger and Mary Jean were both long time members of St. James the Greater Catholic Church. He was recently awarded a 60 year member certificate by the Knights of Columbus JFK Council #1257 in Eau Claire. Roger was an active member of St. James the Greater Catholic Church and was a volunteer in many various activities. In his spare time, he enjoyed traveling, playing golf, bowling and collecting cars. Roger was employed by the City of Eau Claire Public Works Department for 32 years.

Roger is survived by his 5 children: Linda (Curt) Campeau, Roger (Sue) Risen, Barbara (Tom) Kemper, Robert (Beth) Risen, Thomas (Julie) Risen, 11 grandchildren, 22 great-grandchildren, sister Doris Bell and is further survived by many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Mary Jean, sisters: Ethel (Melvin) Bloom-Keefer, June (Percy) Pederson, Irene (Clarence) Sather, brothers: Allard Risen, Lennie (Mary Ann) Risen and niece Shari Gunderson.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 12:00 Noon, on Saturday, January 24, 2026 at St. James the Greater Catholic Church (2502 11th Street, Eau Claire, WI). Visitation will be held at the Church on Saturday from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 Noon. The burial will take place in Calvary Cemetery in Eau Claire.

Memorials preferred to St. James the Greater Catholic Church or to Regis High School in Eau Claire.

The family of Roger would like to thank the staff of St. Croix Hospice and also the staff of The Classic in Altoona for the excellent care that was given to both Roger and Mary Jean.