Roger Henry Mathias, 78, peacefully passed away on Saturday, August 25, 2018 at home, surrounded by his loving family.
Roger was born March 21, 1940 in Oakes, ND, the son of Henry and Martha (Wertz) Mathias. He was baptized at Immanuel Lutheran Church, Stirum, ND and confirmed at St. John’s Lutheran Church, Oakes, ND. He graduated from Oakes High School in 1958. Roger and Bonnie Jodsaas were married on September 2, 1961. To this union, four children were born, Kathy, Brenda, Bruce and Bob. Roger served in Company 141 Engineering Combat Battalion with the North Dakota National Guard for eight years. He farmed for several years until he began working at Oakes Fertilizer Service, Oakes, as Assistant Manager. Roger later worked for Rosens, Inc. where he was Territorial Manager until his retirement in 2002.
Roger and Bonnie traveled to Arizona in the winters for many years after retirement. His favorite hobby was restoring International Harvester Tractors. Roger also enjoyed fishing, which included a few special trips to Alaska and Canada.
Roger was a big presence in family, work life and was a true character. He did not teach his grandchildren, but he “learned” them. Roger also managed to find breakfast buddies wherever he was at the time.
Roger is survived by his wife, Bonnie; daughters, Kathy (Todd) Wood, Bismarck, ND and Brenda (Harry) Tyre, Oakes, ND; sons, Bruce (Tina) Mathias, Jamestown and Bob (Jenny) Mathias, Jamestown; 19 grandchildren; 5 great-grandchildren; brother, Ernie (Carol) Mathias, Oakes; and sister, Lorna Mathias, Fargo; 3 nieces; and many cousins, including special cousins, Don Mathias and family, and Marcella Weight and family.
He was preceded in death by his parents; grandparents; aunts and uncles.
Funeral Service: 10:30 a.m. Thursday, August 30, 2018 at Concordia Lutheran Church, Jamestown with Rev. Tom Eckstein officiating.
Visitation: 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., Wednesday, August 29, 2018 at Williams Funeral Home, Jamestown.
Prayer Service: 5:00 p.m., Wednesday, August 29, 2018 at Williams Funeral Home, Jamestown.
Interment: Highland Home Cemetery, Jamestown.
In lieu of flowers, memorial may be sent to JRMC Hospice, 2422 20th Street SW, Jamestown, ND 58401