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Roger Wohlers, age 84, passed away January 27, 2026. He was born December 5, 1941, to John “Jack” and Lorain (Christians) Wohlers in Honey Creek, IA, and grew up on the family farm. He attended Beebee Town/Tri-Center High School, where he balanced farm life with school, graduating in 1960.

In 1963, Roger married the love of his life, Mary (Rand), in Missouri Valley, Iowa. Together they built a life centered on family and love, welcoming three children: Tory (1964), Mark (1966) and Marlee (1970). In 1972, Roger and Mary moved to Blair, Nebraska, where they lived and raised their family until 1988. Then they moved to California, where Roger worked for McDaniel’s Grid Rolling. When returning to Nebraska, Roger farmed alongside his son Mark on the family farm. He later took a brief break from farming to work for PCI. No matter where his work led him, his heart never strayed far from his farming roots.

Roger was a devoted father who coached all three of his children in baseball and softball for many years. He rarely missed a game, match or school activity, always showing up with pride and encouragement. That same dedication carried over to his grandchildren, who were a great source of joy for him. He attended as many of their activities as possible and proudly wore the colors of every team they played for.

Roger loved to travel and was fortunate to visit many memorable places, including Alaska, Hawaii, Germany, and the Holy Land, Israel. In his quieter moments, Roger enjoyed collecting tractors, baseball caps and John Wayne memorabilia. He never passed up an old western on television, especially when paired with a bowl of fresh, stove-popped popcorn. He was also known for his homemade cinnamon rolls — reserved for those who were especially dear to him — and his homemade salsa, both made with love and pride.

Roger will be remembered for his deep love of family, his strong work ethic, his quiet generosity, and the many ways he showed up for those he loved.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by brother, John D “Jackie” Wohlers; brother-in-law, JR "Bob" Rand; father and mother -in-law, Tjarbe and Fannie Rand; and his great-grandson, Theo Thurston.

Roger is survived by his wife, Mary Wohlers; children, Tory Hansen, Mark (Trayce) Wohlers, Marlee (Neal) Thurston; six grandchildren, Ryan (Amanda), Erin (significant other, Steve), Jes (Dakotaha), Janessa (Derek), Zach (Lindsay), Nick (Sidney); great-grandchildren, Cameron, Christopher, Josephine, Axel, Blake, Blair; sisters-in-law, JoAnn Wohlers, Trish Rand; nieces, nephews and a host of other family and friends.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM at Hoy Kilnoski Funeral Home on Tuesday, February 03, 2026.

Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 AM at Hoy Kilnoski Funeral Home on Wednesday, February 4, 2026. Final resting place at Grange Cemetery at a later date. The family will direct memorials.

~~~obituary courtesy of the Nebraska Washington County Genealogical Society. Newspaper clippings on file in the Public Library, Blair, Nebraska ~~~

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