side.
Born on June 11, 1932 to Swedish immigrants, Julius Albert and Esther Marie (Isackson) Malm in
Gothenburg, Nebraska, Roger was raised in Central City, Nebraska with his siblings Margaret (Ed Block),
Ellen (Wes Traudt), Harold (Sandra) and Donald (Betty). The family lived on a farm raising corn, pigs,
chickens, work horses and Holstein cattle “that produced 6 gallons of milk a day that they separated for
cream to sell at market”. It was a good life.
In high school, Roger was a track star, football running back and forward in basketball. He joined the Air
Force after football season in college. Roger married his high school sweetheart, Barbara Jane Sinsel, and they had five daughters, Pamela (Patrick McNeill), Rebecca (Greg Erdelyan), Julie (Todd Kreitzinger), Michelle (Duane Bushway) and Dana (Paul Martin). The newlyweds spent their honeymoon in Estes Park, Colorado and eventually moved and raised their family in Denver, Colorado. They later relocated to Dallas, Texas and finally to Atlanta, Georgia. Roger and Barbara were married for 57 loving years before Barbara passed away in 2009. She was forever his sweetheart.
Roger lived life to the fullest and knew no strangers. Growing up on a farm gave him a love for the
outdoors and a strong work ethic. He became a successful franchisee and independent business owner in the automotive parts business for many years until his retirement. His love for automobiles was evident
with his collection of cars in his younger years starting with a Model T that his dad would not let him
keep. “Take it back!” So he did. And he replaced it with a yellow Model A with a rumble seat. Gary
Jensen talks about going on a double date with Roger and Barbara with Gary in the rumble seat. He was a good friend and the brother of Carolyn, our beloved 93 year old aunt. Gary also sang “Ava Maria” at
Roger and Barbara’s wedding. Those were the days!
Roger had a uniquely genuine spirit and always placed his family as his top priority. He adored his
family, especially those grandchildren: Christopher, Sarah, Lara, Austin (Kara), Sophia, Kate (Jake
Dossett), Maisey, Emily, Lauren (Tyler Salsbury), Hannah, Joseph and Kahle. He held an extra special
place in his heart for his great grandchildren: Jackson, Ava and Sofie. If you ever wanted to see his eyes
light up, they were the ones to do it! “Papa” loved his grandchildren and great grandchildren very much
and was so proud of each of them.
We loved our Dad and Papa and miss him dearly. We know how very blessed we all are to have had such a close and special relationship with him. He has given us a great legacy to follow. Thank you Dad,
Papa…rest in peace. May God hold you in the palm of His hand.
“The memory of a good person is a blessing.” Proverbs 10:7
“For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven: a time to die; a time to plant;
and a time to pluck up what is planted.” Ecclesiastes 3:1-2
Please visit www.roswellfuneralhome.com to share loving memories.
PALLBEARERS
Austin Bushway
Jake Dossett
Greg Erdelyan
Todd Kreitzinger
Joseph Martin
Chris McNeill
Patrick McNeill
Tyler Salsbury
DONATIONS
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