Roger John Modder

Roger John Modder, 88, of Lisle, IL, formerly Naperville, IL, peacefully passed away surrounded by his family that he loved with an enormity that is hard to describe in words on January 23, 2025.
He was born on May 15, 1936, in Chicago, IL, to John and Martha (nee Bareman). He grew up in the Roseland neighborhood of Chicago, a loyal White Sox fan, and proud Chicagoan. As a child, he was surrounded by a loving extended family which provided a beautiful example of how he loved his own family so well.
A graduate of Fenger High School and Bradley University, he spent his career working as a CPA. On April 28, 1962, he married Barbara, the love of his life. They moved to Oak Park, IL, and built their own family in the coming years. Their home was full of love, support, and a whole lot of laughter with family, friends, and neighbors.
Roger was a man of faith. He was a member at Our Saviour's Evangelical Lutheran Church and enjoyed the time he spent singing in the choir. He set an example of service in many ways throughout his life.
The friends he made at Bradley University in the Theta Xi fraternity became brothers in every sense of the word. Some of Roger's best memories were "fishing" trips to Wisconsin where he'd return home each time with a cooler full of Johnsonville bratwurst. They also enjoyed attending the White Sox home opener annually. After Roger moved to Naperville, he found a whole new club of friends that gave his life beautiful purpose. It is safe to say that throughout Roger's entire 88 years of life, his friends gave him as much as he gave to them.
Roger loved his siblings, his three nieces, three nephews, and the beautiful families they built. He loved his own three children deeply. It is safe to say his seven granddaughters filled his life with an overflowing love that he always knew he was blessed to have. He was Papa to seven girls who grew into the most incredible seven women. And then he became Great Papa to two great-grandchildren and his love grew exponentially.
There are enough memories to write volumes: Pony Girl, hiding coffee stains with house plants, driving the crew to Chicago for adventures (and keeping everyone on their toes in that minivan!), cozy Christmastime with Fannie May wrapper wars. This list could go on and on and on.
The best thing to know about Roger is that he showed up. He will be forever loved and cherished for that. What a blessing to all who knew him.
Roger was pre-deceased by his parents, his brother Leonard (Fran), and his wife of 26 cherished years, Barbara (nee Broll). Loving father of Susan (Pete) Harvey, David Modder and his late wife Nancy, and Karen (Mike) Brothers. Adored Papa of Sarah Harvey, Rachel (Kalen) Petty, Courtney Brothers, Emily (Michael) Kowalczyk, Kaylyn (Joe Tomasek) Brothers, Grace (Matt Lovelace) Harvey, and Olivia Brothers. Doting Great Papa of Kensley and Kolton Jagneaux. Roger also leaves behind his sister Marilyn Broll, his childhood friend who was family, Jack (Darlene) Parkes, as well as many close friends and extended family members.
The Memorial Visitation will be held on Saturday, February 8, 2025, from 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM with a Memorial Service at 10:00 AM, at Our Saviour's Evangelical Lutheran Church, 815 S. Washington St., Naperville, IL 60540. Inurnment will be after the service at Mount Emblem Cemetery, 520 E. Grand Ave., Elmhurst, IL 60126. For more information, please call Friedrich Jones Funeral Home at 630-355-0213.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Roger's memory can be made to Our Saviour's Lutheran Church, or a designated charity of your choice.