At 14:55 on March 19, 2024, Roger passed away at Cooney Healthcare in Helena, MT while under hospice care. Roger was 81 years old.
Roger Udovich was born in Duluth, MN on April 15, 1942. He was the first of six children to John and Vera Udovich.
Life took Roger from his hometown of Duluth, MN to Lander, WY then the San Francisco area and from there to Helena, MT. With each location he maintained many close relationships through his service in U.S. Army until 1962 and memberships with AFL/CIO since 1963, BPOE (Elks Club) since 1974, The American Legion since 2009, and The Moose Lodge 639 since 2017.
Roger graduated high school at Denfeld High School in Duluth, MN in 1960. From there he entered the U.S. Army and proudly served in Germany pursuing his master electrician career until he was transferred stateside.
In 1969, Roger met and fell in love with Mary Alice Gimpel and they were married on August 29, 1970. They enjoyed a life full of travel, dancing (especially the Polka), and raising two children.
Roger was an accomplished machinist and retired from U.S. Steel in 1985 and United Airlines in 2002. His interests were most things outdoors. As a Certified Master Gardner, harvest time was so abundant that neighbors and friends were presented with fresh fruits and vegetables. This was supplemented by his avid hunting and fishing activities. The freezer was always full.
Roger was preceded in death by his parents, John and Vera Udovich, brother David Udovich, and grandfather Adolph Neils.
Roger is survived by his wife, Mary Alice Udovich of Helena, MT; his daughter, Yvonne Marie Heslop of Douglasville, GA; and his son, Anthony (Tony) Steven Udovich of Colorado Springs, CO. Also survived by his sisters Kathy Jacobs, Betting Merling, Cheryl Michon and brother Richard Udovich, 3 grandchildren and three great grandchildren.
The family requests memorials to be considered for Montana State Veterans Cemetery – Fort Harrison, PO Box 76, Ft. Harrison, Montana 59636 and St. Peter’s Hospice, 201 S. California Street, Helena, MT 59601, https://www.sphealth.org/foundation/make-donation.
Services presided by Pastor Ken DuVall will be held at Anderson Sevenson Wilke Funeral Home located at 3750 N Montana Ave, Helena, MT on April 1, 2024, beginning 10:30 a.m. where a reception will follow.
Roger will be laid to rest in a columbarium niche at Montana State Veterans Cemetery, Fort Harrison following the reception.
Gratitude and special thanks from the family to: St. Peter’s Hospital staff, St. Peter’s Hospice (Cheryl, Barb, Nancy), Cooney nurses and CNA’s, Dr. Andrew Gilbert, and all the friends who visited Roger and kept him entertained. We are grateful for you.
Service Schedule
Celebration of His Life
10:30 a.m.
Monday April 1, 2024
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Avenue
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Immediately following the memorial service
Monday April 1, 2024
Social Center of the Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Inurnment
Approximately 12:30 p.m.
Monday April 1, 2024
Montana State Veteran Cemetery Committal Shelter
Fort Harrison, Montana 59636
Service Schedule
Celebration of His Life
10:30 a.m.
Monday April 1, 2024
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Avenue
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Immediately following the memorial service
Monday April 1, 2024
Social Center of the Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Inurnment
Approximately 12:30 p.m.
Monday April 1, 2024
Montana State Veteran Cemetery Committal Shelter
Fort Harrison, Montana 59636
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Jeannie Smith says
Roger, you’ll be missed:) We had losta fun dancing, drinkin and at one time smoking together. Alot of good memories. All our Love and thoughts to “My older Sister!”MaryAlice you are a strong Red Head Love you🥰🥰
Marilyn Burns says
He is blessed to be loved so deeply by his strong wife Mary, and dedicated daughter Yvonne and family. He will watch over them and protect them while in God’s hands. He will be remembered. Sending comfort to you Mary and family.
Rodger A Campbell says
Roger, we had some great memories. Thanks for being a good friend, both of you. We’ll miss you. Chip & MaryAnne
Doris Copenhaver says
So very sorry. Roger was always teasing someone while bringing smiles to those around him. He will b dearly missed. RiP Roger
Garry rafter says
Roger and Mary Alice were our neighbors and we hsd a great relationship. I would keep the grass mowed in the summer and he kept the rosd plowed in the winter. He will be greatly missed by all that knew him.
Thomas Gannon says
Roger Udavich
My friend and neighbor, and a good man
RIP Roger
Lester Ballard says
The best memories during our time in Lander are of Rodger, Mary and family. Goodbye good friend. We love you.
Susan proul says
Mary and family. I’m so very sorry to hear of your loss. My memories from raccoon club are numerous and make me smile every time. There are so many memories for your family..keep them close in your hearts and he will be with you always. May he rest in eternal peace…
Elena & Dan Reeves says
Roger & Mary;
Such a warm, beautiful & ‘living life’ to its’ fullest couple that showed us by example how life should be lived. Mary, I am so sorry for your loss; yes you knew it was coming, but that does not soften what you are feeling right now. You two were such a driving force that made our ol’ Costco holiday parties such a success & the most fun! Gosh I miss those days. I miss you both!
Remember those beautiful adventures with Roger, your spirited discussions, your get togethers and the love you you shared with him and your friends. We got ‘you’ sweet lady. I wish I could be there right now giving you the strongest & warmest of hugs. The phone calls don’t quite make it.
Know that many of us are holding you in our hearts, the ‘kids’ send their love & hugs as well. Dan & I are here for you, & remember Roger would most likely have something to say…he loves you still, forever in your heart, forever watching over you, always in your memories.
Con abrazos muy fuertes, amor y besitos 🤗💕😘
Sleep well Roger, we miss you, another 👼 to watch over us all🕊
John Dunn says
So sorry to hear news of ur loss of Roger…
We are thinking of you and you have our deepest condolences……Rob&Andi……
Amanda says
Roger sounds like a wonderful man. He raised a beautiful daughter, and I’m proud to call her friend. My deepest condolences to Roger’s family. You are in my thoughts.
Kathleen “Kat” Curtis says
Roger & Mary Alice,
How can we say goodbye to you, Roger? This is from Kat, one of many who were teased by you mercilessly, and with such humor, wit, and love. I think we all knew there was a sweet teddy bear underneath that sometimes rough and tough exterior. When I last saw you in the Cooney Nursing Home, you were in & out of consciousness in your last days. I brought you some artificial flowers because those flowers will never die, just as our love and friendship for you will never die. You are so loved, and you will be sorely missed.
Blessings to you, Mary Alice, and may you feel Roger’s love, and may you walk with those of us who surround you in our love and friendship. May the singing & dancing continue!!
Diane says
Mary Alice and family
I was so sorry to learn today that Roger passed away my heart breaks for you. May you find comfort in knowing that you had many wonderful years together and made memories that nothing can take away from you. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this difficult time, with deepest sympathy, Diane Peterson
Sandy says
My thoughts and prayers go out to Mary and her family. Roger will be missed by all. I loved watching him and Mary dance. RIP Roger. 🙏
Madeline Steuber says
Sending well wishes to you Yvonne, from your friends at STG. We love you! Your dad sounds like an amazing man! From gardening to United Airlines, and serving his country in between, we are thinking of you and your family.
Twila York says
Mary Alice and family,
I knew Roger as a proud veteran who continued to smile and joke no matter what he’d been through. He was very generous in his words and deeds and always made those around him feel special. I know you will miss him greatly. We have all been blessed to know such a wonderful man. Roger, may your adventures continue on and on! – Twila York
Larry and Billie says
Mary Alice , our thoughts are with you. Love Roger Larry and Billie
Julie & Wayne says
Roger was a great Uncle. Wayne and I enjoyed seeing Aunty Mary and Uncle Roger when we traveled to Minnesota every year till 2020. We loved his Sour dough pancakes every time we came to see them. He will be greatly missed. Full of fun and loved to go dancing.