Roger Norden

Roger R. Norden went to his Heavenly home on February 7, 2019 at age 78.

Roger was born to Raymond and Catherine Norden on May 7, 1940 in Elgin, IL. As a child, Roger attended Elgin schools. Summers meant working and learning at a family friend’s farm in Elgin where he developed an affinity for animals and a strong work ethic. Operating and caring for farm equipment was also favorite activity. When at home, Roger often snuck upstairs to see his beloved elderly neighbor who was always waiting with homemade German pastries and a kitchen full of love. A lifelong Elgin resident, Roger graduated from Elgin High School in 1958 before attending Iowa State University.

Roger met his wife of 49 years, Diane, in 1968, when his routine included picking up his preschool children, Jeffrey and Jennifer, for weekend visits. He noticed their favorite teacher. At Roger’s request, in an unprecedented move, the Director of the school gave him Diane’s phone number. The rest, as they say, is history. They married in 1969 and went on to have two children, Elizabeth Ann (who died in infancy) and Amy.

Roger was a dedicated provider who loved his family deeply. He also enjoyed the work he did, and friendships made during his over 40 years at Elgin Sweeper Company. Roger thoroughly enjoyed computer technology and animation, graphic design, music, politics, photography, and origami as well. He could see the humor in almost every situation and his laughter will be missed. Even on his last day with us, when asked if he would like to converse more or go to
bed, he sleepily responded with perfect comedic timing “We have all expressed ourselves……Goodnight’’. When pressed to converse a little longer, he spoke his last words “I’m just going to lay here and absorb the love.”

More than anything else, he held an unwavering faith in God, which he shared with those who surrounded him. A prayerful man, the list would be long of those who witnessed his connection with His Heavenly Father, as he petitioned heaven on their behalf. Never able to carry a tune, Roger did not let that stop him from singing, and often could be found at home praising the Lord with the stereo on full blast. In fact, he sang “When We All Get to Heaven” while in the
hospital. All those who love him agree, “what a day of rejoicing it will be”.

Roger joins his parents and his daughter, Elizabeth Ann, in Heaven. He is survived by his wife, Diane; his three children, Jeffrey (Joanna) Norden, Jennifer Carlson, and Amy (Greg) Schauble; and his five grandchildren, Nicklas, Hannah, StellaRae, Nathanael, and Maxwell.

Private graveside burial took place February 14, 2019. Roger’s family invites you to a Memorial Visitation will be held on Saturday, March 9th at Countryside Funeral Home and Crematory 95 S. Gilbert St. (at State St.) South Elgin from 11:00a.m. until time of Memorial Service 1:00p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to In Touch Mission International for missionaries Paul and Molly. Roger was a generous and committed supporter of Paul and Molly’s ministry in India. You can learn more about their ministry and make your donations in Roger’s name at https://intouchmission.org/projects/a-home-for-paul-and-mollys-ashraya-daughters/.

Psalm 62:5
“Find rest, O my soul, in God alone; My hope comes from Him.”