Roger Alan Gaarder

Roger Alan Gaarder passed away peacefully on June 23, 2026, in Mesquite, Texas, at the age

of 82.

Roger was born on November 6, 1943, in Edgerton, Wisconsin, to Thomas Gaarder and

Genevieve Sullivan. From an early age, he was curious about everything, always wanting to

know how things worked. He was incredibly smart, stubborn as they come, and had a sense of

humor that could make just about anyone laugh.

Roger proudly served his country in the United States Army during the Vietnam War as a Tunnel

Rat, one of the military's most dangerous jobs. His courage and sacrifice are something his

family will always be proud of.

After returning home, Roger eventually made Texas his home. He married Carol Vineyard, and

together they welcomed their daughter, Michelle. Later in life, he found love and companionship

with Linda Lafond. They shared more than 30 wonderful years together and worked side by side

at Lafond Tax Services.

Roger also spent many years as a locksmith with AA Locksmith. He had a gift for solving

problems and fixing things that others couldn't. If something was broken, Roger wanted to take it

apart, figure it out, and put it back together. Learning never stopped for him.

But more than anything, Roger will be remembered for being one of the goofiest people you

could ever know. He always had something funny or smart to say, no matter the situation. His

quick wit, dry humor, and playful personality made him unforgettable. He loved introducing

himself as "Harry Truman" or "Regor Redraag," just to see people's reactions. If someone

asked, "How are ya?" his answer was almost always, "No, Texas not Hawaii." He could make an

ordinary conversation memorable simply by being himself.

Roger enjoyed cheering on the Dallas Cowboys, relaxing outside with one of his Pall Mall Red

100s… they better be the short ones too… and drinking a cold Budweiser.. or, as he liked to call

it, "Butt Wiper." He also had a sweet tooth and rarely passed up a Hostess Twinkie or cupcake.

It was the little things that brought him joy, and those little things will always remind us of him.

He is survived by his daughter, Michelle Gaarder-Garcia and her husband, Oscar Garcia; bonus

daughter, Jeana Schultz and her husband, Kevin Schultz; grandson Jack Alan Moore and his

fiancée, Angela Cortez; granddaughter Carolyn Marie Wilganowski and her boyfriend, Robert

Rivera; grandson Billy Lafond; family and friends who were lucky enough to know him.

Roger was preceded in death by his parents, Thomas Gaarder and Genevieve Sullivan; his

former wife, Carol Vineyard; his longtime companion of more than 30 years, Linda Lafond; and

his brother, Gary Gaarder Sr.

To know Roger was to have a story about him. He left people laughing, shaking their heads, or

wondering what he was going to say next. He lived life on his own terms, never pretending to be

anyone but himself. He could be stubborn, he could be ornery, and he could drive you crazy..

but he loved deeply in his own quiet way, and there was never another person quite like him.

We will miss hearing his voice, listening to his stories, and seeing him sitting outside with a

cigarette in his hand. Every old song, every Cowboys game, every cold "Butt Wiper," every

Hostess Twinkie or cupcake, and every time someone asks, "How are ya?" and someone

answers, "No, Texas not Hawaii," we'll smile because that's exactly what Grandpa would have

said.

Grandpa, thank you for every story, every laugh, every lesson, and every memory. Thank you

for teaching us not to take life too seriously and for showing us that laughter really is one of the

greatest gifts you can leave behind.

We love you, and we will carry your stories, your jokes, and your unforgettable spirit with us until

we meet again.

Family and friends may share condolences and memories at www.grandprairiefh.com