Roger Allen Heglund

Roger Allen Heglund, 55, of Ankeny, IA, passed away peacefully at home, Wednesday, November 24, 2010 from complications of Picks Dementia and ALS. He was surrounded by his wife, children and other family members who prayed him home to Jesus.

Visitation will be 4 to 7 p.m. with a 7 p.m. Prayer Service, Monday, November 29, 2010 at Our Lady’s Immaculate Heart Catholic Church, 510 E. 1st St., in Ankeny. A second Visitation will be 1 to 3 p.m. with a 3 p.m. Prayer Service, Tuesday, November 30, at Peterson Brothers Funeral Home, 700 Becker Ave. Southwest, Willmar, MN, with burial in Evergreen Cemetery in Blomkest, MN.

Roger was born May 14, 1955 in Willmar, MN to Willard M. and Fern A. (Hoglund) Heglund. He graduated in 1973 from Raymond High School. He went on to Chef’s training school and worked in the family restaurant, Freda’s Bord. Roger later became a fireman and began his career with the Willmar Fire Department.

Roger moved to Ankeny, IA, in 1984 and worked at the Ankeny Fire Department as Training Officer. From there he attained his paramedic license, and became captain and EMS Director. In 1997, he moved to Newton, IA continuing his career as a fireman and paramedic.

Roger married Lori A. Johanning on September 28, 1985 at St. Kilian Catholic Church. He loved to cook, ride motorcycles, be outdoors, and listen to oldies. He was a member of many professional organizations including, International Association of Arson Investigators, American Heart Association, Iowa Society of Fire Service Instructor, Ham Radio Operators and Gold Wing Road Riders Association. He was extremely proud of all his accomplishments both personally and professionally. He loved his family and friends dearly.

Roger is survived by his wife of 25 years, Lori, of Ankeny; daughter, Shannon, of West Fargo, ND; son, Cody, of Ankeny; mother, Fern (Hoglund) of Willmar; sisters, Marguerite (Roger) Peterson of Aberdeen, SD, and Robin (Phillip) Bergstrom of Raymond, MN; brother, Michael (Emily) Heglund of Willmar, and many nieces, nephews, family and friends. He was preceded in death by his father in 2001.