Roger L. Wangen

Roger Wangen (82) died on November 12, 2024, at The Waterford of Wisconsin Rapids, WI where he had been living in the Magnolia Trails memory care program. Roger was born on March 6, 1942, to Odin C. Wangen and Wilma E. (Berhow) Wangen in Albert Lea, MN. From a young age he loved hunting and fishing, playing sports, and spending time with his dogs. He was baptized and confirmed at First Lutheran Church in Albert Lea.
After graduating from Albert Lea High School in 1960, Roger went to Mankato State University, MN, where he earned a degree in chemistry and met his future wife, Mary Lou, in a world history class. Following graduation, Roger joined the Navy, completed officer training, and started service in the Vietnam war on the USS Wexford County based out of San Diego, CA. Meanwhile, Mary Lou started teaching second grade in Minneapolis. During her spring break of 1965 they eloped, celebrating their wedding on April 12 in a small ceremony in the Navy Chapel on Treasure Island in San Francisco, CA. After two years, Roger and family moved to Minneapolis where he continued his naval service as a recruitment officer. He also had a difficult role as a Casualty Assistance Calls Officer where he personally let families know of the loss of their loved ones.
In 1969, Roger, Mary Lou, and their three children moved to Wisconsin Rapids, WI. Roger started as a Process Engineer for Consolidated Papers at the Biron Mill. After many management roles, he retired in 2002 as the Vice President of Manufacturing, responsible for four mills, Consolidated Water Power Company, and other corporate departments.
Roger and Mary Lou strongly believed in the importance of service and spent much of their time supporting the Wisconsin Rapids community. At First English Lutheran Church, which was their church home for over 50 years, Roger filled many leadership positions, including President, Treasurer, Finance, and Personnel Chairs. Throughout his life, Roger cultivated a number of hobbies and interests, including hunting, fishing, golfing, and tying flies. He loved the outdoors, and endeavored to share that love, not only with his children and grandchildren, but also through his decades of service to the Wisconsin Rapids area Boy Scouts of America.
Roger was the leader of Cub Scout Pack 171 and Boy Scout Troop 171 where the units will remember the pinewood derbies, papermaking merit badge, and camping trips. Camp Tesomas, Devil's Lake, and wilderness trips to places like the Porcupine Mountains hold great stories. Later he led the Ahdawagam District. He ended his scouting career as District Advancement Chair where for nearly 20 years he mentored countless youth working to achieve their Eagle Scout Rank. Roger was a Brotherhood member of the Tom Kita Chara Lodge of the Order of the Arrow, awarded the Silver Beaver, the BSA Lutheran Lamb, and many other awards. The Scouting values and mission of youth character development were very important to Roger – Do a good turn daily, Duty to God and country, and the 12 points of the Scout Law. He was an excellent example of these in his personal, business, and community life.
Roger Wangen goes to join his wife Mary Lou, who preceded him in death on October 30, 2020. He is survived by his children Eric Wangen (Tonya), Lisa Frost (Brian), and Jeff Wangen (Dalcimar); his grandchildren Emily, Hannah, and Abby Wangen, and Steven and Scott Frost; his brother in-law Tom Bunn; and his faithful dog Wendy. On Saturday, December 7, 2024, at First English Lutheran Church a visitation will be held from 9:00 – 11:30 am, followed by a celebration of life service and military honors at 11:30 am. The family invites all to stay for a meal after the service (Mary Lou wanted root beer floats, corn dogs, and Dixieland Jazz to be available). The service will be livestreamed on First English Lutheran Church-Wisconsin Rapids facebook.com, and available on First English Lutheran ChurchWR youtube.com. Roger's family would like to thank the staff at The Waterford for their support and kindness to Roger during his stay, as well as Heartland Hospice for their care in his final weeks. In the spirit of Roger's lifelong commitment to service, please direct any memorial gifts in his honor to the Samoset Council BSA in Westin, WI, https://donations.scouting.org/#/council/627/appeals or consider a donation to the Alzheimer's Association. Herman-Taylor Funeral Home, Wisconsin Rapids, is honored to be assisting the Wangen family. Online condolences may be expressed at www.taylorfuneralhome.net.