Roger W. Wright

Roger William Wright passed away peacefully on January 21, 2025, surrounded by the love and comfort of his wife and five daughters. A devoted husband, father, grandfather, and steadfast man of faith, Roger left an enduring legacy of love, service, and commitment.

Born to William and Hilda Wright on October 15, 1938, Roger grew up with a strong sense of family and responsibility. After graduating high school, he attended St. Olaf College, where he excelled in his studies, majoring in Biology and Chemistry and minoring in Religion. While there, he also participated in the Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps (AFROTC), which set him on a path to a distinguished aviation career.

Roger received active duty orders to serve as a pilot stationed in Big Spring, Texas. Before heading south, he married his high school sweetheart, Sharon, beginning a lifelong partnership filled with love and faith. Roger became a Master Flight Instructor in the T-33 and T-38 at Webb Air Force Base. After five years of active duty, Roger and Sharon returned to Felton, MN. Their family grew to include five cherished daughters.

While in Fargo, Roger served in the Air National Guard and even had special orders from the President to fly a Top Secret mission in the F-89J.

After moving to Northfield, MN, Roger began a nearly 30-year career with Northwest Airlines, where he was known for his professionalism, skill, and dedication.

Beyond his professional achievements, Roger was deeply committed to his Christian faith. He was an active and beloved member of his church community, where he served in numerous leadership roles and ministries. Whether teaching Sunday school, mentoring younger members, or volunteering for missions, Roger’s life was a testament to his unwavering belief in living out his faith through service to others.

In his later years, Roger and Sharon moved back to a family farm in Ulen and in 2020 they moved to Touchmark in Fargo, ND. Roger found immense joy in spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who were the light of his life. His gentle spirit, warm smile, and wise counsel will be dearly missed by all who knew him.

Roger is survived by his wife, Sharon; his five daughters—Teresa (Bob) Van Cleave, and their children, William and Olivia, Tamara Verlinde, and her children, Lisa, Jeremy, Sandra, John, and Sarah, Tina (Doug) Davis and their children, Matthew and Ryan, Twila (John) Batchelor and their children, Kyle, Curtis, and Thomas, and Tanya (Barry) Koerner and their children, Luke and Sadie; his 15 great-grandchildren; and countless friends and loved ones.

In lieu of flowers please donate to Maranatha Free Lutheran Church Youth Ministry.

A funeral service with Livestream will be held on Saturday, February 1, 2025, at 1:00 PM with a visitation one hour before the service at Maranatha Free Lutheran Church, Glyndon, MN. A livestream will be available below.

Burial will be in Felton Cemetery, Felton, MN.