Dr. Roger Dean Alexander

November 14, 1938-Janury 13, 2015

76, of La Salle

Roger Dean Alexander was born November 14, 1938 to Dean and Lucile Alexander in Auburn, NE.

His family moved to Colorado in 1948. He attended Greeley schools and graduated from Greeley High School in 1957. His path lead him to the University of Colorado-Boulder on a football scholarship. After 1 year he decided “enough football”. He worked his way through college by doing many different jobs. His education continued at St. Louis University School of Dentistry, graduating first in his class of 1966. After graduations he spent a summer doing research work.

On August 19, 1962, Roger married Judi Christensen in Audubon, IA, on a hot and humid day. His comment was “I have never sweat this much at any job I have ever had.” Three children were born to this marriage, Christine Alexander Ingram, Michael Dean Alexander, and Craig Arthur Alexander. Craig’s life ended August 20, 2007, with great sorrow.

Dr. Alexander opened the first dental clinic in La Salle after a short time practicing with Dr. Jordan in Ault. Medical issues caused him to give up his profession of dentistry. He then spent time working at Miller Feedlot in the Vet Treatment area. He also farmed, receiving a lot of good advice from great neighbors who at times could see he needed help. The farm was his joy and sorrow. He spent many hours, days and weeks studying water law and how it will hurt rural Colorado. His philosophy was that “Money and politics should not control water”.

Dr. Alexander was a charter member of Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church in La Salle and served on the council. He was a very devote, quiet Christian.

Roger was a person who always wanted to learn. His library contains 100’s of books of many varied topics. They have all been read, some many times. He was always chosen first for our many family games of Trivia.

A simple, but very complex man, solitude for him was okay. His goal was to die with the reputation that he was an honest man. He succeeded.

After many years of fishing with two lawyers, Roger learned even shopping for their food for the week could end up like a court case. The kind of cheese to purchase was a huge decision. Stow, Walker and Roger developed a friendship that occurs only by gathering at the river.

Many long and enjoyable conversations were held with a wide diversity of friendships on the deck and around the kitchen table at the Alexander home.

Watching his children grow was such a pleasure. From band, sports, academic goals and work ethic, all 3 gave him a challenge. “If you break something, fix it, and if you make a mistake, make it right” was always his advice.

Grandchildren – what a gift. Roger loved to watch them play in the mud, climb trees, fall out of trees, catch tadpoles and swim in the ditch. To see them grow up and leave was his least favorite. He loved them and is so proud of their success.

For 10 years Roger had very unusual medical issues. Pain from nerve entrapment to cancer, and lots in between, he fought the battle. The small cell carcinoma was more than he could handle. When he told Dr. George he was worn out, we knew the hill was going to be very steep. As he was dying in his house on his farm, with family and love surrounding him, he was free! As he was taken from his farm he loved, down Road 43, we saluted a man who had character, class and charm.

Dr. Alexander is survived by his wife Judi; daughter, Christine (Jerry Joseph); son, Mike (Carol Semple); grandchildren Jordan (Lani) Ingram, Nia Ingram, Janay Ingram, and Jordan Adams; great-granddaughters, Hadley, Finley, and Zaydin; daughter-in-law, Chere (Craig’s wife), and grandson Blake Alexander; nephew, Keith Keenan; brothers-in-law, Niel (Janelle), Ron (Barb), Gary (Janie), Randy (Elizabeth) and Lynn (Peggy; as well as over a hundred nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; son, Craig; nephew, Brad Christensen; sister, Joanne Van Zante; and his mother and father –in-law, Art and Ann Christensen.

Services will be held at 2:00 P.M. Friday, January 23, 2015 at Our Saviors Lutheran Church, 1800 21st Avenue, Greeley.

Friends may view the online obituary and send condolences at www.allnutt.com.