Gifford Rogers

Gilford “Giffy” Leander Rogers, age 89 of rural Waubun, MN, entered into heaven on Saturday, October 11, 2008 at MeritCare Hospital in Fargo, ND. Gilford was born on January 9, 1919 to Otto and Milla (Fossen) Rogers. He was baptized and confirmed in his faith at Wild Rice Lutheran Church near Twin Valley, MN. As a child, Giffy attended Banner country school near his home. On June 6, 1943 Gilford was united in marriage to Eva Dorothy Boreen at the Wild Rice Lutheran Church. The couple made their first home at the Wild Rice Children’s Home of Twin Valley, where Gilford was the manager of farming operations. In 1948, they moved to their farm west of Waubun, MN, where they raised their four daughters. Gilford was a proud dairy and grain farmer. He was an honest, hard working, farmer who had a passion and love for the land and his animals. Giffy and Dorothy enjoyed entertaining at their home with friends and family – playing cards and sharing stories both old and new…the coffee pot was always on. Together, they enjoyed many trips to visit family and friends in other states. In honor of their 45th wedding anniversary they were fortunate enough to be able to travel to Hawaii, with their daughter, Cleone and granddaughters: Shelly, Sheri and Stacey. The couple along with Janet’s family also took one special trip to Newfoundland to see their grandson and son, Cory, participate in the Junior Olympics. Giffy, Dorothy and their daughters, along with relatives and friends enjoyed getting together to share their musical talents, playing the guitar and violin. Giffy was also very proud of his Norwegian and Native American Heritage. In his earlier years, Giffy enjoyed hunting, trapping and fishing. In his retirement years, Giffy and Dorothy liked doing yard work, gardening and enjoyed the companionship of their dog, Pepper. He treasured the time spent with his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. In his last days, Giffy resided at St. Mary’s Nursing Home in Detroit Lakes, MN. Gilford and Dorothy were previous active members of Trinity Lutheran Church of Waubun and Wild Rice Lutheran Church of Twin Valley. Currently, Giffy was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Twin Valley. Giffy was a much loved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him. May he rest in peace. Gilford was preceded in death by his wife, Eva Dorothy; parents Otto and Milla; four brothers: Ray, William and infant brothers, Arnold and Francis; and sisters Ethel, Alta and infant sister, Myrna; and son-in-law, Loren. Surviving him are four daughters: Cleone (special friend: John Feldewert) Watkins of St. Charles, MO, Colleen (Wayne) Johnston of Maple Grove, MN, Gurine (Craig) Johnston of Detroit Lakes, MN, and Janet Thompson of Barnesville, MN; 10 grand children; 17 great grandchildren; two brothers, Phillip (Donna) Rogers of Waubun, and Earl (Loyal) Rogers of Ulen, MN; two sisters, Mavis Wermager of Waubun, and Verla (LaVerne) Schoenborn of Mahnomen, MN. Funeral Services were held on Friday, October 17, 2008 at 11:00 am in Trinity Lutheran Church in Twin Valley. Burial took place at Trinity Lutheran Cemetery in Twin Valley.

Gifford Rogers

January 9, 1919 - October 11, 2008