Roger Tunberg 88, of Thief River Falls, MN, passed away on Wednesday, August 23, 2017 at Sanford Hospital in Thief River Falls, MN, with his loving wife by his side.

Funeral service will be held on Monday, August 28, 2017 at 11:00 AM at Trinity Lutheran Church in Thief River Falls, MN with Reverend John Wollenzien Officiating. Burial will be held at the Greenwood Cemetery in Thief River Falls, MN at a later time.

Visitation will be held Sunday August 27, 2017, 5 – 8 PM with a 7:00 PM prayer service at Trinity Lutheran Church in Thief River Falls and also one hour prior to the service on Monday.

Roger Allen Tunberg was born December 3, 1928 in Clearbrook, MN, the son of Frank and Marie (Olson) Tunberg.  He was baptized in Clearbrook.  Roger moved with his parents and brother, Wally to Thief River Falls, MN.

He grew up in Thief River Falls, graduating from Lincoln High School in 1946.  He was a member of the National Athletic Scholarship Society.  After graduating he attended St. Olaf College and the University of North Dakota.  He had not finished college as he was about to be drafted during the Korean War, so he enlisted in the United States Air Force for 4 years.  He spent over 2 ½ years in Japan and after 4 years was honorably discharged in 1954.

Roger returned to Thief River Falls and elected to join his father Frank and brother Wally in the Ford dealership known as Tunberg Motor Company, which was established in 1930 by Frank Tunberg.

On September 21, 1957, Roger was united in marriage to Ardis Anderson at Trinity Lutheran Church, Thief River Falls.

He was very active in the Thief River Falls Community.  He loved Thief River Falls and was the first to start singing, "We're from Thief River, that great, big, busy town" at gatherings in Thief River Falls and on trips.  He also was active in the Jaycees and received "Outstanding Young Man" Award in 1963.  He served as President of the Chamber of Commerce in 1984.  He was a member of the Thief River Falls Education Foundation and served as President for the first 8 years, a member of the Lions Club for 59 years serving as President in 1967 and also other offices, Life Member of VFW and Shriner's Club, Mason, Elks and Eagles, also a long time member of Thief River Golf Club and served as President in 1970, when the new club house was built.

Roger was inducted into the Lincoln High Prowler Hall of Fame in 1998 for Community Service.  He was a member of the MN Auto Dealers Association and served as Regional Director of the FDAF Advertising Fund.

He became semi-retired in 1988.  His interest in life was "life at the dealership" and that has continued until his passing.  He truly enjoyed spending time there. His charismatic warmth and humor were the glue throughout his life that engaged people and forged new and binding friendships everywhere. His forward, charming, loving personality and sense of humor made it easy for anyone to get to know and love him. He left a lasting impression on everyone he met.

Roger is survived by his loving wife Ardy, Thief River Falls, MN; sisters-in-law Bonnie Tunberg, Irma Hemmingsen and Marlene Barnett along with many nieces and nephews.

Preceded in death by parents Frank and Marie, brother Wally and niece Patty.

In Lieu of flowers memorials are suggested to Roger and Ardy Tunberg Endowment at the Thief River Falls Education Foundation and the Trinity Church.