Rodger Edward Sackett was born on June 12, 1928 at home in Viking, MN, the son of Alton Edward and Myrtle Christine (Tangquist) Sackett. He was baptized and confirmed at the Viking Covenant Church in Viking, MN and attended Elementary School in Viking and High School in Newfolden, graduating from Newfolden High School in 1945. He worked at his parents grocery store in Viking and also did custom combining and trucking. He also worked at the Viking Creamery and Kelly Hardware in Thief River Falls. Rodger entered the United States Army on February 12, 1951, serving in Japan and Korea, where he received the Korean Service Medal and the United Nations Service Medal. Rodger was Honorably Discharged on February 6, 1953. Rodger worked for the Minnesota State Highway Department for almost 30 years.

Rodger was united in marriage to Ruth Elinor Melvie on June 25, 1954 at the Viking Covenant Church in Viking. The couple made their home in Viking, until 1956, when they moved to Thief River Falls. In 1957 Ruth and Rodger moved to South Arnold, where they have since resided. The couple wintered the last ten years in the Rio Grande Valley, TX.

Rodger enjoyed fishing, woodworking, radio-controlled airplanes, building utility sheds, crossword puzzles and spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren.

He was a member of the Viking Covenant Church, where he served as chairman, deacon and other various offices in the church. Rodger also was a leader for adult Sunday School, and a member of the Northern Navigators Radio Controlled Flying Club.

Rodger is survived by his wife, Ruth, of Thief River Falls, MN; two daughters: Rita (Ron) Ragan of Davenport, ND and Ronica (Jim) Anderson of Apple Valley, MN; five grandchildren: Helienna, Hannah, Tim, Holly and Taylor Anderson; one brother, Charles (Joanne) of Gatesville, WI; and one sister, Lenelle Peters of Thief River Falls, MN.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and brother-in-law, Orville Peters.

Condolences may be sent to www.johnsonfuneralservice.net