ROGER L MERGENTHALER
Roger passed away peacefully on Monday, December 30, 2019 following a short battle with Leukemia.
Roger was born on September 23, 1947 in Helena, Montana. Roger joined the Navy in December of 1967. Following his service in Vietnam, he lived in the Seattle area, New Mexico, California and Kalispell before returning to Helena. He loved woodworking, and ended up teaching cabinet-making for adult education at the Vo-Tech. He also was a partner with his dear friend, Wayne Schottler, at Pine Hills Woodworking, creating beautiful wood cabinets and furniture.
His great passions were cooking, shooting and travel. He was a member of and on the Board of Directors at the Helena Trap Club for many years.
In 1997, Roger met his future wife, Marti Holland. They married on Halloween of 1998 and always declared themselves as “two old bats got married.” During their marriage, Roger and Marti went on several adventures on the “high seas” or…at least the Caribbean. Those sailings were some of their dearest memories.
Roger is preceded in death by his mother, Betty (Chuck) McDonald and his sister and brother-in-law, Claudette and Jim Cooper of Unionville. He is survived by his daughters, Roxanne (Denver) and Karen (Kalispell), his grandchildren, Michayla, Josh, Harmony and Lily, Elijah, Christian and Sarah. Also surviving him are his step-daughters, Kristan E. Taylor (Ohio) and Kathryn Holland (Illinois) as well as brothers David (Mary) Mergenthaler (Kalispell) and Lynn (Judy) of Kalispell and several nieces and nephews.
Roger will be honored at a graveside service on Friday, January 3, 2020 at the Fort Harrison V.A. Cemetery. Contributions can be sent to the Fisher House Foundation to support military families during times of medical need. A get-together will be held in the Spring to celebrate Roger’s life.
Service Schedule
Graveside Service
1:00 p.m.
Friday January 3, 2020
Montana State Veterans Cemetery
Heroes Road
Fort Harrison, Montana
Service Schedule
Graveside Service
1:00 p.m.
Friday January 3, 2020
Montana State Veterans Cemetery
Heroes Road
Fort Harrison, Montana
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Rudy & Lynette Haas says
Sorry to hear of Roger’s passing. Heaven will have gained a talented woodworker and a great story teller. Always enjoyed visiting with Roger.
Ryan Grovom says
Marti, so sorry to hear about Roger. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Kim Klatt says
Marti
We are sorry to learn of the loss of Roger. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Dan Brimhall says
Marti,
So sorry to hear of Roger’s passing. He was a great guy and friend!
Kevin Fredrickson says
Marti,
Sorry to hear about Rogers passing
Condolences to you and your family
Kevin & Wendie
Jeff and Virginia Poole says
Marti,
Very sorry to hear the sad news about Roger… 🙁
Virginia and my thoughts go out to you in your time of sorrow.
Jeff and Virginia
Rich Falconer says
Marti,
We are very sorry for your loss of Roger. He was a very kind man and one that was always at your side. He will certainly be missed. We are thinking of you during this difficult time and will keep Roger and his family and friends in our prayers.
Rich
Linda Cameron says
Marti,
So sorry to hear of Roger’s passing. Thinking of you during this difficult time.
John and Linda Cameron