Roger German, 75, Federal Way, WA, formerly of Minot, died Saturday, June 15, 2024, in his home.
Roger was born April 15, 1949 in Minot, North Dakota to George and Ethel (Grenvik) German and was raised and educated in Minot. He was baptized and confirmed at St. Leo’s Catholic Church in Minot.
He started playing in bands in ‘65 where he played with the Intruders with Dan Dakutak. Before that there was a battle of the bands at the “new” Town & Country mall in ‘64 where there were quite a few good bands, he met Keith Genre who he played with later on the road in Montana. Keith played with the Unbelievable Uglies and was an exceptional guitarist. Roger played later with Mike Purdy, and Tom Nelson in Canada, California and Montana.
Roger was united in marriage to Alvina Anderson on June 22, 1977. He was a wonderful husband and life partner. Roger was a master storyteller, entertainer, and musician, and showman and “on and on”. He had an irreverent sense of humor and was blessed with spot on timing. He could make any small story from anything, even a penny interesting. His stories often came with sound bites. Roger was kind, gentle, generous with an outgoing personality and loved his family and friends. He had many spectacular musician friends that he could count on in a minute.
Roger moved to Austin, opened a ski shop in Durango, CO in ‘72, moved to Denver and managed some restaurants. Then returned to Minot, where he played in bands and was the “Riviera” kid and on the road with Summerville Creek. He went back to Denver in ‘83-‘85 then out to the coast to Seattle in ‘92 where he opened a few tint shops. He also played some clubs in Seattle area, blues and rock.
Roger had several special dogs, Wheezer (Afghan) and Opy a Maltese ‘72-‘85, then Eggbert, a Yorkie ‘85-‘95, Rupert, Yorkie, ‘95-‘12. Finally, Lola ‘12-‘21 and Rhiney, ‘13 Shih Tzus. He is another song and dance with many girlfriends. He Woo Hoos and does the Rhiney bump. Roger loved taking the dogs to the ocean and collected driftwood for the yard. He worked a lot of design and wood sculpting. We had many wonderful trips to Glacier National Park and Yellowstone in MT meeting with relatives.
Roger was a member of Zion Lutheran Church in Auburn where he played on the praise team. We had a wonderful pastor Terry Dill who was inspirational. He also attended St. Paul’s Lutheran in Minot.
Of course, he loved all things North Dakota, like the weather guy Henry Blakes from Bismarck. He had miraculous doctors at Virginia Mason in Seattle and oncologist. He worked hard to beat this, and had many tough battles, often proclaiming “He was fighting for his life.”
Roger, you were always the most fun person to be with and also the most kind. You were always there and it was great to see you in action. You made life more easy and magical. Your presence will be missed, but I always feel your warmth as I’m sure everyone else does. You were special and supportive. Your energy and spirit will always be there. Your light still shines on… Loving you always, Flash.
Roger is survived by his wife Alvina, brothers Dave (Valene) German, Puyallup, WA, and Tim (Nancy) German, New York; sisters Mary (Kenny) Bergstad, Bismarck and Barb (Joel) Olson, Minot, as well as numerous special nieces and nephews.
Roger was preceded in death by his mother Ethel Pagett at 93 in 2020, father George in 1968, mother-in-law Ella Anderson in 2019, Father-in-law Vernon Anderson in 2001, and nephew Shannon Ryan in 2001.
A special thank you to his bandmates John Greer who played in Denver Metro Benders Bismarck (Nightlife), Mike Purdy (Minot) Thief River, Glen Stewart, Seattle with Blues 55, Adrian Pruitt, Kyle Brock from Eric Johnson Band and Tom L. McMahon of Austin amongst many others.
Funeral service: 1:00 p.m. Saturday, July 6, 2024, at Thomas Family Funeral Home, Minot.
Interment: Sunset Memorial Gardens, Minot, ND
Visitation: Saturday, July 6, 2024, from 12:00 p.m. until the start of the service in the funeral home.
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