Roger William Schraufek, age 84, passed away peacefully at his home at Spring Harbor Drive in Columbus, GA on Monday, August 30, 2021. His wife, Joan Schraufek, daughter, Susan, and grandson, Josh, were all at his bedside when he met his Lord and Savior. A wake for Roger will be held Friday, October 22, 2021 at 5:30 PM at Christ the King Catholic Church, 6700 GA-354, Pine Mountain, GA 31822. A funeral mass will be held on Saturday, October 23, 2021 at 11:00 AM at Christ the King Catholic Church.
Roger was born July 4, 1937 in Creston, IA. He graduated from Creston High School in 1955 and Creston Jr College. His parents were Oscar and Erma Schraufek.
July 4, 1959 Roger married Joan Hayes at St Malachy’s Catholic Church in Creston, IA. They moved to Maryville, MO where Roger graduated from Northwest Missouri State in 1961, Maryville, MO.
Roger and Joan moved to Fargo, ND in 1970 and raised 4 daughters, Lisa, Lori, Susan and Julie. He worked in Pharmaceutical sales and in the 1980’s went back to college and received a BS degree in Nursing. Roger and Joan both were registered nurses at the Fargo, VA Hospital until their retirement. Roger loved working with the veterans and his tenure at the VA.
Roger and Joan went on many Marian Pilgrimages to Medjugorje, Rome, Lourdes, France and other destinations throughout Europe. From their travels they made lifelong friends that enlivened them in living out their faith. Roger was active at Saint Mary’s Cathedral in Fargo, ND including the Knights of Columbus, “40 Days for Life,” the pro- life movement, and weekly prayer at the Fargo abortion clinic.
Roger and Joan lived in Fargo for 40 years and raised their family there. Upon retirement they moved to Big Floyd Lake in Detroit Lakes, Minnesota where they enjoyed lake life for 16 years. Some of his hobbies were cheering on the Minnesota Twins, gardening and yard work, and enjoying his wife’s delicious cooking. Roger was diagnosed with early dementia and experienced a gradual decline, and yet never lost his zest for life. He was always happy, smiling, and showed affection to everyone. He loved going to church, praying, and being with friends and family. He never met anyone he didn’t treat with great love and charity. Roger thanked Joan every day for taking care of him and how much he appreciated her.
Roger’s parents, Oscar and Erma Schraufek, preceded him in death. He is survived by: his wife, Joan, of 62 years; Lisa and Bob Erickson of Orono, MN; Lori and Tom Adams of Shakopee, MN; Dr’s Susan and Erik Westerlund of Columbus, GA; Julie and Michael Szwejbka of Loretto, MN. His grandchildren knew him as “Opa” and “Grandchops.” They include: Lance, Dane and Christian Westerlund; Clay and Joshua Adams; and Katia, Anya, and Maria Szwejbka.
