Roger Anderson Obituary

Roger W. Anderson, 94, of Merrill, passed away Monday, January 12, 2026, at his home under the care of his family and hospice.

Roger was born November 1, 1931, in Galloway, WI, son of Otis and Lorna (Bestul) Anderson. Roger was baptized into Christian faith on December 17, 1931 at Christ Lutheran Church in Galloway. He was confirmed into his faith on April 14, 1946 at Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church in Merrill. Roger grew up on a farm. During his childhood, his family moved out to Idaho and they eventually made their way back to the Merrill area. Roger enlisted in the United States Army on July 13, 1951, and served in Germany during the Cold War. He was honorably discharged on June 19, 1953.

Roger married Marion Winter on June 2, 1956, in Hamburg, WI. She preceded him in death on November 11, 2020. Roger worked for the Lincoln County Highway Department as a heavy equipment operator and also ran an asphalt plant. He enjoyed his job working with all of the equipment shaping the earth. Roger took great pride in his work and eventually retired in his 80’s. He learned his great work ethic from his father.

Roger was a member of Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church, Merrill, where he was involved in the Ushers Club. He also belonged to the Lion’s Club and the Old Timers. Roger and Marion were members of the Valley Bummers Camping Group and loved camping with family and friends. More recently, Roger and his daughter became involved in Food for Kids, a summertime lunch program.

Roger enjoyed spending time with family, playing Sheephead, working on word find puzzles, and taking the occasional casino trip. His nightly bit of “tea” (blackberry brandy) was an evening ritual…never to be missed. At the same time, he read “the good book” and his daily devotion book.

Roger is survived by his daughter, Barbara (Scott) Fraser of Merrill; grandchildren, Jared (Vaneta) Maahs of Wausau and Mandi (Brian) Schmidt of Merrill; step grandchildren, Joshua Fraser and Lilliana Fraser; step great grandchildren, Reba, Tyler, Katelyn, Jayden, Tamara, Aubree, Addilynn, Klairabelle, Rowen, and Silas; step great great grandchildren, Beau and Kashtyn; brother, Marvin (Mary) Anderson; and sisters-in-law, Halena Anderson of Merrill and Shirley Winter of Riverside, RI.

Roger was preceded in death by his wife, Marion Anderson; parents, Otis and Lorna Anderson; grandson, Jessub Maahs; step great granddaughter, Amber Schmidt; sisters, Beulah Gorman, Joyce (Harlan) Bamgartner, and Estelle (Lyle) Klemp; and brother, Lyle Anderson.

The funeral service will be held at 11:00 A.M., Tuesday, January 20, 2026, at Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church, Merrill. Rev. Justin Smoot will officiate. Burial will take place in Merrill Memorial Park Cemetery. The visitation will be held from 4:00 P.M. until 7:00 P.M. Monday, January 19, 2026 at Taylor-Stine-Waid Funeral & Cremation – 903 E. Third St., Merrill, and after 10:00 A.M. Tuesday, January 20, 2026, at the church.

The funeral service will be livestreamed and recorded for those unable to attend in person. It can be found under his obituary on the funeral home website.

Taylor-Stine-Waid Funeral & Cremation, Merrill, is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences are encouraged and may be made at www.taylorstinewaid.com