Roger Dean Midthun

Roger Dean Midthun

Anamosa

Roger Midthun, of Anamosa, passed away at the age of 75 on Friday, November 22, at the Dennis and Donna Oldorf Hospice House in Hiawatha after a long series of health challenges and a short but valiant battle with cancer which stemmed from Agent Orange exposure during his time served in Vietnam. His loss leaves a hole that cannot be filled.

Roger was born on April 21, 1949, in Marshalltown, IA, to Richard and Joann (Dobson) Midthun. He was the second of seven children. Roger grew up near Vinton, IA, and was a member of the Vlass of 1967. At the age of 18, he enlisted in the United States Army and served in the Vietnam War. He courageously served two tours of duty, during which

he was an armored tank operator as well as a ground enforcement leader. He received a Spec. E5 promotion

by a General in the combat field, and ultimately earned the Bronze Star and Army Medal of Commendation of Valor.

Upon returning from Vietnam, he married Linda Readnour and they made their home in Vinton, IA, where they raised their only daughter, Christie. He and Linda had a true partnership and he was grateful for her unwavering love and care. They celebrated 50 beautiful years of marriage last January. He was an amazing dad and Christie’s fiercest protector and biggest fan.

Roger spent his career at John Deere in Waterloo, retiring from the Foundry in 1998. During his tenure at Deere, he was a Union Steward and was a staunch advocate for his fellow workers. He worked incredibly hard and provided a great life for his family. He was proud of his work and his family is grateful that he was able to retire early to do the things he loved.

He was an avid outdoorsman and enjoyed his annual hunting trips with his brothers, brothers-in-law Bob Usher, Ron Readnour, Frank Silberger and his nephews. He thoroughly loved reliving those trips with many colorful stories he shared over the years.

In retirement, Roger had fun riding his Harley, camping and traveling with Linda to Arizona for several winters where they had wonderful times with their friends from North Dakota.

In 2008, he was promoted from Dad to ‘Kappa’ as his granddaughter, Ava, lovingly called him. Kappa and Ava had many great adventures together and he would indulge any of Ava’s requests, even if they required he put on a costume. Recently, you could find Roger proudly cheering Ava on as she competed in cross country and track as well as enjoying her show choir performances. The title of Kappa was Roger’s favorite.

There was no one kinder. Even in his final days, Roger was concerned about his family, including helping sister-in-law Lois and kind strangers who crossed his path. He was quick to observe when someone was in need and was always willing to step up to do what he could. When he wintered in Arizona, he was known to provide shoes and food for the homeless.

He was the life of the party, quick with an entertaining story and always lit up the room. His presence in life was large, making his absence in death that much more difficult. If you were lucky enough to get one of his nicknames, you knew you were someone special.

Roger was a beloved husband, father, father-in-law, Kappa, brother, brother-in-law, uncle and friend. Those left behind to cherish his memory include his loving wife Linda, daughter Christie (Tyler) Remley and treasured granddaughter Ava Remley. He also leaves behind his sisters Mary (Frantz) Silberger, Jane Midthun, Marcia (Marvin) Lerch, brothers Dale, Jim and Gary Midthun as well as many special in-laws, nieces and nephews, including Jeffrey Silberger and David Readnour who Roger thought of as his sons. His friendship with his brother-in-law Frantz was a bright spot in Roger’s life. He considered his family to be his friends and truly enjoyed all the times they shared.

The family is so very grateful to the staff at Hospice House for the care, compassion and respect that they showed Roger during those difficult last days.

A celebration of Roger’s life will be scheduled and announced at a later date—and because it was Roger’s favorite, rest assured, there will be chocolate cake.