Roger Jerome Jesperson

ROGER JEROME JESPERSEN, age 88, of Mankato, passed away on September 15, 2026 at Abbott Hospital in Minneapolis.

Roger was born on May 25, 1938, to Benhardt E. and Nora M. (Millhouse) Jespersen. He attended school in Kiester and Alden before continuing his education at Mankato State College. He proudly served his country in the Army National Guard.

Roger was united in marriage to the love of his life, Susan Keyes, in New Ulm, Minnesota. Together they shared 41 years of marriage filled with love, laughter, travel, and countless cherished memories.

Roger was a people person through and through. Caring, compassionate, and quick with a smile, he had a gift for connecting with others. Throughout his life, he worked in a variety of roles that allowed him to serve and interact with people. Early in his career, he worked for Wells Concrete Company. He later became the owner and administrator of the Wells Nursing Home, where he was dedicated to the residents and their families. Roger also managed the bar at Sportsman Lodge in Baudette and spent many years transporting and mentoring young people through his work with Palmer Bus Service and Richfield Motor Company. No matter where he went, people remembered Roger for his sense of humor, kind heart, and genuine interest in others. Above all, he was a devoted husband, a loving father, and a proud grandfather and great-grandfather.

Roger enjoyed life to the fullest. He was an avid football fan and could often be found cheering for the Minnesota Gophers-sometimes loudly enough to be heard throughout the house, especially when the game wasn't going their way. He loved spending time on the water, boating and fishing at the family cabin on Lake Jefferson, fishing on Lake of the Woods, and taking houseboat vacations in Canada with Susan and friends. Roger and Susan also enjoyed traveling together across the country and especially looked forward to trips to Nashville to see their favorite country music artist, Vince Gill.

A faithful member of Christ the King Church, Roger was also active in his community through the Lions Club, Rotary, Chamber of Commerce, and Masonic Lodge.

Roger is survived by his beloved wife, Susan; children, Kristin (Donald) Lehne of Mankato, Susan (Christopher) Jensen of Buffalo Center, Iowa, Bradley (Cindy) Milbrath of Waseca, and Kimberly Milbrath of St. Paul; 12 grandchildren; 6 great-grandchildren; sister, Betty Schuster of St. Michael; as well as many other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Benhardt and Nora Jespersen; two brothers; and two sisters.

Memorial service for Roger will be at 1:00 PM on Thursday, September 24, 2026 at Christ the King Lutheran Church in Mankato. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the church.