Roger Wayne Nielsen

Family and friends are very sad that Roger Wayne Nielsen, 69, passed away suddenly on May 4, 2022. Born in San Antonio, September 20, 1952, Roger fulfilled his boyhood dream of becoming a small plane pilot and a professional life in the U.S. Air Force. He married, fathered three sons and early on as a single father, saw them grow into fine young men with lives of their own.

Roger was preceded in death by wife Shelly, grandson Allen, father Chris Robert, mother Evelyn, and brother Chris Alan. He is survived by his sons and their families: Anthony; Glen and wife Angela, daughter Halley; and Paul and daughter Jordyn; and sisters, Nancy Nielsen and Diana Gremmer and family.

Enamored of airplanes, Roger as a young driver would spend hours parked at various airfields just watching planes take off and land. He got his small plane pilot license and enjoyed ferrying family as far away as Arkansas. Joining the Air Force, he made rank to Chief Master Sergeant and thrived on the challenges as a Loadmaster, frequently regaling others with his stories, especially about needing to tell those with high ranks what they could not do. Those of us in his life would hear the same stories countless times, over and over again, but they would never be dull or feel repetitive as he could tell them with a flair of his own. We would know we heard them all before but he loved to tell them. That’s who he was…throw in a little humor to lift the hearts.

Newly married, Roger was severely injured when hit by a drunk driver while bicycling to work at McChord Air Force Base in Tacoma, WA. He eventually recovered to a great extent. Able to again work, he served in Operation Desert Storm, was honorably discharged in the military drawdown of the early 90’s, and settled in San Antonio. He joined the maintenance staff at his local H.E.B. and with Shelly’s unexpected death, raised his boys alone. He greatly enjoyed spending time with family, taking long drives, and going to movies. Always valuing a high work ethic, Roger was able to work right up to his death.

Respected and appreciated by all his work colleagues, with an easy camaraderie and ready with a story, Roger will be greatly missed.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.sunsetfuneralhomesa.com for the NIELSEN family.