Roger L. Legred, age 86 of Blue Earth died Tuesday, April 29, 2025, at St. Luke’s Lutheran Care Center in Blue Earth, MN. A funeral service will be held Monday, May 5, 2025, at North Blue Earth Lutheran Church in Brush Creek Twp. at 10:00 am. The visitation will be from 8:30 – 10:00 am at the church Monday morning. Pastor Peg Marose will be officiating the service, and Military Honors will be accorded by the Bricelyn American Legion Post #165 and the Wells Area Color Guard. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to NBE Lutheran Church Cemetery, Bricelyn Fire Relief Association or to Donor’s Choice.
Roger was born October 24, 1938, one of six children born to Thomas and Estra Marie (Anderson) Legred in Brush Creek Twp., where he lived nearly his entire life. He was baptized and confirmed and a life-long member of North Blue Earth Lutheran Church. He graduated from Bricelyn High School, the class of 1957. Roger was proud to support the church and give his time; he often mentioned he was ‘Sunday School Superintendent’ and many kids were enrolled back then. Roger met the love of his life at the Kato Ballroom when he danced with a Minnesota Lake girl (Viva Lee Tolzmann) and from then on for 60 + years, danced as one through the years. The couple married April 3, 1965 and raised three children: Thomas, Nathan and Mary.
Roger loved his family with his whole heart and did everything for them! He loved being a farmer, neighbor and friend to many. Folks recall he was known as a very good fast-pitch softball pitcher and loved to teach the grandkids how to windmill!
Roger proudly served his country in the US Army, his community by serving on the school board and a member of the Bricelyn American Legion Post #165, where he spent time as Commander.
If you asked Roger if he had time for lunch, he would always say, “Take Time”! If it was bean walking crew 40 years ago; Vi helping Mary and the grandkids sew 4-H and wool projects; or working in the field; Always take time to have lunch and visit, no matter how busy we thought we were.
Roger and Vi loved to travel and very seldom missed their kids and grandkids events. Holidays and suppers often needed to be documented with a picture on dad’s phone. Now, we are thankful he insisted on having those pictures taken for they are beloved memories. We can cherish his memory forever….A man who always made time for a Dr. Pepper, cards or singing Johnny Cash’s Ring of Fire loudly in the car with us. A patient Norwegian man that had all the time in the world for his family and those close to him, no matter what he had going on.
Roger was preceded in death by his parents, siblings: Burton in infancy, Arlen (Ramona), Thilmer (Darlene), Severt (Joan), Marlene Legred Lindsey; and his in-laws, Donald and Doris Tolzmann.
Roger is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Viva Lee Legred of Blue Earth, MN, three children: Thomas (Kari) Legred, Nathan (Dani) Legred, all of Bricelyn, MN, Mary (Shawn) Ehrich of Elmore, MN; eight grandchildren: Jenna (Eric) Smart, Mariah (Jalen) Snaza, Kia (Chase) VanKeulen, Blake Legred; Adam Legred, Jonah Legred (fiancé Lindsey Norman); Maxwell Ehrich and Madison Ehrich; three great-grandchildren: Louisa and Lilah Smart, and Amos Snaza; one sister: Evelyn (Stanley) Tolzmann of Kirkland, WA; numerous nieces and nephews and their families.
The family wishes to thank St. Luke’s Lutheran Care Center Moonlight care team for all their care and love they have shown Roger and his family during his stay there.
The “backyardigan” friends in Casa Grande Arizona are saddened to hear of Roger’s passing. We send our deepest sympathy and condolences to all of his family. We had many happy hours with Rog and Vi and I doubt we will ever forget them.. May he rest in peace in his heavenly home.
So sorry for your loss! You’re in our thoughts and prayers for comfort!! Pam and Rollie
Sorry for your loss, cherish the memories, save a message he left in your phone! My dad just passed, and I listened to a message recently, you’ll cry but then you’ll smile!
So sorry for your loss. Roger was one of the finest persons I ever knew, along with of the Legred family. I knew Roger for close to seventy years, all the way back to when he and his brothers played on my father’s softball team, Frank Bros Elev. I bought grain from him, enjoyed seeing Vi and Roger at the Sirloin House, and we talked when we watched our grandkids wrestle. I have great memories I will never forget.
John Frank