Dr. Roger Erdahl

Dr. Roger Erdahl, age 75, passed away peacefully at his home in Bloomington, Minn. on Sunday, May 12, 2024 after his bravely fought battle with brain cancer. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother and leaves behind cherished memories and a legacy of kindness.

Roger was born on December 26, 1948 in Benson, Minn. He graduated from Glenwood High School, Minn., where he met and married his high school sweetheart, Marlene. He proceeded to get his undergraduate degree from Moorhead State University, master’s degree from the University of Minnesota – Duluth, specialist degree in Education from the University of Wisconsin – Superior, and doctorate from St. Thomas University. 

He was a natural teacher and began his career teaching in Esko, Minn. He became a principal in Antigo, and finished his career as Superintendent of Schools in Rhinelander.

Family was the most important thing to Roger, and he believed that family should always be there to help each other. He and Marlene were married for 55 years and had three sons and seven grandchildren that he loved to play with. He also enjoyed reading, golfing, bird hunting, cross country skiing, dancing, music, and driving the tractor on the farm. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, Kenneth and Marlys Erdahl, his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Harold and Myrel Jaeger, his brother Doug Erdahl, sister Karen Klaahsen, brother-in-law Tom Klaahsen, brother-in-law Jim Dunne, and sister-in-law Barb Erdahl Thue. He is survived by his wife, Marlene, sons Mike (Jess), Grant (Meagan), Blake (Renee), sister Chloe (Paul) Holtberg and grandchildren Henry, McCartney, Cash, Braxton, Harrison, Everett, and Elise.

A celebration of life service will be held at Peace Church, 8600 E. Bush Lake Rd, Bloomington, MN 55438 on Sunday, May 19: visitation at 12 p.m., service at 1 p.m., reception to follow.

 In lieu of flowers, the family has started a scholarship fund for the Rhinelander school district in Dr. Roger Erdahl’s honor: Rhinelander Area Scholarship Foundation, 665 Coolidge Ave B, Rhinelander, WI 54501.