Roger Earl Jackson, age 81, of St. Francis passed away peacefully December 25, 2010 at his home surrounded by his loving family. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Thursday, December 30, 2010 at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Oak Grove with Father Michael VanSloun as Celebrant. A visitation will be held one hour prior to the service. Interment will be in St. Patrick’s Catholic Cemetery.
Roger was born June 23, 1929, in St. Paul, Minnesota, the youngest son to Roy and Lillian (Sweeny) Jackson. Living in St. Paul, he married June Paderski at St. John’s Catholic Church on June 10, 1950. They raised their family in South St. Paul. While living in Woodbury, Roger retired from 3M after 45 years. Eight years ago, they moved to St. Francis which Roger referred to as the best move I ever made.
Roger was proud of his Irish heritage. He was fascinated with history and family genealogy. He anxiously awaited the historical trivia questions sent to him by his nephew, Robert. He enjoyed golfing, playing cribbage, crossword puzzles, attending his grandchildren’s sporting events and concerts, and family trips to the casino.
When it comes to personal accomplishments, Roger was most proud of his 33 years of sobriety and that he was able to sponsor others on their road to recovery. Most importantly, he enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren, great grandchildren and his canine friends.
Roger Earl Jackson passed away peacefully December 25, 2010, at his home surrounded by his loving family at the age of 81 years, 6 months and 2 days. Roger was preceded in death by his parents Roy and Lillian Jackson and brother, Roy.
Roger is survived by his beloved wife of 60 years, June; two loving daughters, Christine (Ronald) Hanzal and Linda (Arnie) Eilers, a son; two brothers, James (Betty), and Howard; six grandchildren, Corissa, Alissa, Nicki (Charles), Andy (Kira), Jennifer (Nate), Melissa (Rob); seven great grandchildren, Elliott, Kalyn, Jaron, Jevan, Ella, Lauren and Isabel; and by other relatives and friends, especially Ron Leander and the Johnson family.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Grandpa,
How many of us can say we attended church with three generations? I will always remember you saving us a spot (because you got there on time!) and giving me mints to eat through the service. Then afterward grabbing a couple of cookies, sometimes a third even. I greatly appreciate the years you took care of looking after Riley (dog) while my parents and I were at work. He really misses you and the mints too. You did not get to spend much time with Kaylee (dog), but she did really enjoy herself the few times I was able to bring her over. She senses my sadness and every night cuddles up next to me to comfort me. I am truly amazed at all you accomplished in your life, especially the 60 years of marriage to Grandma. Not many people are that lucky – you were fortunate to have been. You live on in my heart and I love you very much. See you again someday.
Dad,
It is only befitting to write the following prayer that you recited daily. “God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.” Thank you for showing us the true meaning of Christmas this year! The promises we made to you on Christmas Eve will be kept until we meet again. We are comforted knowing that you are Home with God.
Love, Arnie and Linda
Dear Roger,
You have been in my life ever since I was born(sixty years ago.) I always thought of you and June as my second set of parents. I spent many days in your home growing up, and we shared so many visits and events over the years! We will all miss your teasing, but sweet ways. I hear your voice and chuckles in my head. So proud of all your accomplishments, and most of all you leave behind an amazing, loving family. Diane
I’m going to miss my Internet Uncle. We’ve been sending emails back and forth for years. Roger always reminded me how very lucky I was to share his birthday (June 23); how he had the true stories of growing up with Diamond Lil on Jenks and not my Dad (both of them did agree, however, on the stories about Lillian’s relatives and how poor the Jacksons were growing up); that he (Roger) was the trimmest of the four Jackson brothers (probably because he swam five miles at a time) and many other pretty outrageous tales. With his arrival, Heaven will never be the same! It’s a better place.
Grandpa,
You have been such a gift to me and to Elliott. You planted a seed of wisdom with in me that has changed my life, and for that I am eternaly greatful. You are loved, and will greatly be missed.
As our Big Book has taught us:
“Abandon yourself to God as you understand God. Admit your faults to Him and to your fellows. Clear away the wreckage of your past. Give freely of what you find and join us. We shall be with you in the Fellowship of the Spirit, and you will surely meet some of us as you trudge the Road of Happy Destiny. May God bless you and keep you–until then.”
Love,
Corissa
So many wonderful memories of you and your family that have inspired me throughout my life thank you for that and bless you. Glenn
Roger and the Jackson’s are a family full of love and laughter. Roger really enjoyed a good joke and kidding us kids. I remember Roger always having a trick or two up his sleeve. We especially had a special time celebrating June and Roger’s anniversary with Gloria and Floyd’s anniversary this summer out at the Johnson farm. God be with you and give you blessings during this transition and difficult time, Rick Johnson