DANNEBROG - Famed Nebraska humorist, folklorist, and activist Roger L. Welsch (also known as Tenugahai "Bull Buffalo Chief" in the Omaha Tribe, Panitaka "White Wolfhite Pawnee" in the Pawnee Tribe, and Heyoka ta Pejuta "His Medicine is Contrary" in the Oglala Sioux Tribe) passed away September 30, 2022, at the age of 85.

Now he knows the answers.

Born to Bertha (Flach) Welsch and Christian Welsch Nov. 6, 1936, in Lincoln, he leaves behind his wife, Linda (Hotovy) Welsch, four children, Chris Welsch, Jenny Welsch, Joyce Welsch, and Antonia (Welsch) Barlage and youngest grandchild, Henry Barlage.

He also leaves behind beloved relatives in the Omaha, Pawnee, and Oglala Sioux tribes, including granddaughter, Marissa Gilpin Winburn.

His found family and good friends cover the world over. He will be remembered for his laugh, his wit and wisdom, and his love of all things ordinary and beautiful.

Among his many achievements (including the Postcards from Nebraska segments on CBS Sunday Morning and over 40 published books) he held reforming the Nebraska State Historical Society and returning the Pawnee Nation to Nebraska as the most important.

A giant among us, he will be missed.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in his name to your local pet rescue or animal shelter.

To honor his wishes, private services will be held. Jacobsen-Greenway-Dietz Funeral Home in St. Paul is assisting the family.

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

Published by The Grand Island Independent on Oct. 1, 2022.

Memories and Condolences
for Roger Welsch

Sponsored by Jacobsen-Greenway-Dietz Funeral Home.

42 Entries

Dale and Laura Hanna

August 1, 2023

We just discovered Roger's "Postcards from Nebraska" segments on RFD-TV. I remember them from the CBS Sunday Morning. We love it that he could just embrace who he was, knowing that everyday people and our natural world were more important than any earthly goods. If we could all strive to be more like Roger, our world would indeed be a better place. Peace to his family and friends and all who loved him.

JAMES R EATON

April 19, 2023

Loved Postcards from Nebraska. Watched it over and over. Such wonderful stories. My favorite was the trucker that sent cards and letters to the wonderful folks at a nursing home.

Bill & Ardie Thomas

April 13, 2023

My Wife and I were living in Chester, NE. And decided to take a trip to Dannebrog. What a memorable day that was. We got to meet Roger and then had dinner at Harriet´s Danish. Thoughts and prayers for the Family

Lee & Maria Nelson

April 11, 2023

We loved watching "Post Cards From Nebraska" every time it was on CBS - Sunday Morning. Like other followers we visited Dannebrog & ate at Harriet´s! We miss you ROGER - what a great legacy you left us!!! Thank you!!!
Lee & Maria Nelson

Mike Brantan

January 1, 2023

Postcards From Nebraska - I watched every segment on the RFD Channel. Loved the episodes so much I visited Dannebrog several years ago. Met some very nice people there. The show always took me back to childhood. Sorry for your loss ... Prayers!!

Marlis Lambson

October 20, 2022

Rest in Peace Master Storyteller. I have always enjoyed reading your posts and plan on reading your books. I remember my Mom interviewing you for the newspaper. She said it was one of the best interviews she ever did as she didn´t have to ask much and simply let you be you. She was enchanted and her story reflected her enchantment and your wit. May your travels over the fourth hill be filled with light, love and adventure. The denizens of your new home are in for a treat with your stories. Travel on in light.
Marlis Lambson

Tess M Brozek

October 4, 2022

Hi Linda & Family,
Sorry for your loss. Still shock with Roger´s passing..it´s Ok to cry..he will remain in ours hearts forever.
Love & prayers,

Tess M . Brozek

John n buck

October 4, 2022

Sorry for the loss god bless

Eugene and Joyce Nitsch

October 4, 2022

Our sympathy and prayers to the family.
We always enjoyed visiting with Roger in Dannebrog and his segments on Sunday Morning.

Bill Gauthier

October 3, 2022

My condolences to the Roger Welsch family. I remember many many years ago visiting with him on the third floor of Andrews hall. I sold my first car to him and I believe it was a little mercury tracer wagon. As I was visiting with him I told him that my sister and her husband were also professors just down the hall. He laughed and said why didn´t you tell me? He was a good person and fun to watch on CBS Sunday mornings. Rest in peace

Nancy Gillis tasiyagnunpa-win (Meadowlark Woman)

October 3, 2022

One of my dear elder brothers. He will be sorely missed for his encouragement, humor, and support. My prayers continue for the family for comfort and strength to move forward without his guiding hand. His voice will stay in our minds and hearts.

"Col." Earl Stander and Patricia Murphy DVM

October 3, 2022

Thoughts, prayers and hugs to y'all. He touched so many lives in so many ways but mostly with his words and wisdom. It's been an honor to be able to of known him. Met him on several occasions throughout Nebraska at different events. His Postcards From Nebraska Show was priceless and so were his Social Media posts. There just is no one else like him. Nebraska has lost a legend. He now walks among the legends of time..

Tammy Speidell

October 3, 2022

As a student of Roger's in the mid 80's at UNL, I remember him coming to class in bib overalls carrying his guitar. Instead of concentrating on any homework/assignments/papers, Roger would often play his guitar for us. I remembering receiving a graded paper with a muddy dog print on the back of it, Roger let me know he apologized, but "Slump..the wonder dog had jumped into the truck with muddy paws". I still have that paper to this day. Roger was truly a treasure and will be missed dearly.

LaVonne Hauck

October 2, 2022

I bought A Life with Dogs and kept it. I only keep books that I want to read again. Time to enjoy his voice in my head again again.

Dan Kerrigan

October 2, 2022

I collect quotes and was pretty sure I had something from Roger. Here it goes: "I consider chiggers, ticks and mosquitoes the best prima facie argument against the ridiculous notion that God doesn´t make junk." - Roger Welsch Quite the wise man.

Patricia Samson

October 2, 2022

Thank You for all you did to help make the world a better place for all.

Aimee Scudder

October 2, 2022

Condolences to Roger's family. I remember him as a vital presence!

David & Diana Hotovy Dwight, Nebraska

October 2, 2022

So sorry to hear of Roger's passing. Our greatest memory is the time when Roger and Linda stopped by the Poultry Exhibit at the State Fair in Grand Island. We had such a great visit. Our daughter, also a Linda Hotovy, was the superintendent of the Poultry Show at the Fair at the time and it was our great privilege to meet Roger and Linda. Our condolences to you all and we will be thinking of you.

Kevin Scudder

October 2, 2022

So sorry to hear of Roger's passing. As a son of Charles and Barbara Scudder of Omaha, NE (both deceased), long-time family friends, I send my love to other family and friends.

Cheryl Samuelson

October 2, 2022

My deepest sympathy to Linda & the family. God bless your soul Roger.

Carla Martin

October 2, 2022

I always enjoyed his postcard contribution to the show. Thanks for sharing country living at its finest and the wonderful people who made it that way. Job well done. Rest well.

Connie McGinnis

October 2, 2022

I went on a canoe trip with the University one year .. With Roger, he told stories and sang songs ..It was the best time ever...quite a great experience !

Billie M.

October 2, 2022

Always loved hearing "and here's a postcard from Nebraska" and have enjoyed Roger's FB posts. My sympathies to the family.

Ariel T. Friesner

October 2, 2022

I met Captain Nebraska years ago when he participated in a week long Oregon seminar. He was smart and funny. No wonder that he made the cover of People Magazine and garnered thousands of fans. Sympathy to his family.

Kristie (Kirchhefer) Pfaff

October 2, 2022

Roger was 5 years younger than my Dad and I always thought you could tell they were related! Roger and my Dad looked a bit alike. My Dad was always so proud of his cousin's accomplishments. I bet they're enjoying catching up.
My sincere condolences to his family.
RIP Roger

Lisa Linnemeyer

October 2, 2022

Roger has been a wonderful friend and Brother-in-law all these years. I will miss his quick wit and love of nature. Thank you for being a part of our story!

Tamara Lindau

October 2, 2022

Roger was an inspiration to me growing up in Nebraska. He was kind and funny and people all over the world liked what he has to say. May his memory be a blessing.

Marjorie Schwabauer

October 2, 2022

My deepest sympathy to his family. He was a gentle man, courteous and humble, I am so happy that I was able to meet him as I married his Sgt in the Air Guard, Wally Schwabauer and they had a great time talking about those days. HE will truly be missed. God gave us a very special person, God bless.

Susan Blum

October 2, 2022

I have few words in this sadness. I hope Roger felt the love & respect so many have for him & his words. Also the depth of sympathy we extend to Linda & his children. Thank you Roger for sharing your well lived life.

Neale Monks

October 2, 2022

Always enjoyed his books, and his humane brand of insight and kindness. So rare today. Rest well, Roger; you earned it.

Scott Gravel Road Peterson

October 2, 2022

An American treasure has left the heartland.

Rick Dahlglren

October 2, 2022

Roger suffered his entire life from an incurable case of infectious curiosity and we are all the better for it. I will listen for his voice in the wind.

Bucket

October 2, 2022

Rog is at peace and off on another grand adventure...although, I wish he never had to

Bill Siegrist

October 2, 2022

Always appreciated, Mr. Welch's unique insights ... In one of Roger's books, he wrote about "Indian time". In Indian time, the meeting starts when the last member of the tribe arrives. Roger's there, the meeting can begin.

Sandy Aldridge

October 2, 2022

His writings will be sorely missed, as I came to them late. I hope it's all they say it is out there, Roger!

Andrea Schropfer

October 2, 2022

I was watching Sunday Morning today and saw his picture and was sad to learn of his passing. I watched him as a kid on Sunday Morning, as I got older, read his editorials in the Hastings Tribune, and now lately, reading his stories the last 10ish years on Facebook. Prayers for all family. Know he touched so many people, if you think thousands multiply that by many thousands more. Rest high on the prairie plains Roger, thank you for your stories and humor.

Julie (Phillips) Arnold

October 2, 2022

I was friends with Rogers daughter Jenny growing up. Many a times that I spent the night at his house. One of my favorite childhood memories was of going to the cabin with the family. We drove there in his old van and had to take turns sitting in front to warm our feet up because it was so cold in the back. I had my first sauna in his homemade sauna that you poured water over the rocks for steam and me and Jenny skinny dipping in the river afterwards. The whole experience was such a joy. I was also there when Jenny gave birth to Jacinda and I remember Roger thanking me for being there with Jenny . He was such a funny and nice man to be around. I always thought how cool is it that I knew someone on national tv. Mr Welsch was a treasure of Nebraska and we all are better for having him!

michael Risbridger

October 2, 2022

Through Roger's serious interest in my maternal 3xGreat Grandfather - Victorian artist Arthur Boyd Houghton. Rogerrand I swapped Facebook and email messages. RIP Roger.

Bill Gauthier

October 2, 2022

Sorry to read this! RIP!!! Say hello to Charles Kuralt.

Linda Krusyna

October 2, 2022

I had always enjoyed Mr. Welsch's segments on the Sunday Morning program. The Sand Hills are still on my places to visit list.

Greg Swain

October 2, 2022

A Sunday morning was always special when Charles said " Now a Postcard from Nebraska ".
Thank you Roger and thank you Linda for sharing.

Bob Wagoner

October 1, 2022

Good bye "Hunk Papa".
I thoroughly enjoyed your Seminar "Prairie Plains Experience", attended at UNL and the Welsch cabin and the Loup river, the Russian Bottoms, and various other sites throughout Nebraska. The Papers as written, became the basis of my family Histories. I have always wondered what happened to the drawing of the pyramid of snowballs on his office door at Andrews Hall, in Lincoln. And the carvings by Roger and Charly Kuralt at Dick Whitefoot's establishment...after a few fire waters. Their readings of Bill Kloefkorn's poetry and books. The World is a poorer place without their presence. My condolences to the "Lovely Linda".

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