Roger Bilden

Roger Milo Bilden, 83, of Rothsay, Minnesota, passed away peacefully on Sunday, April 5, 2026, surrounded by his loving wife and children.

Roger was born on October 1, 1942, in Fergus Falls, Minnesota, to Melvin and Evelyn (Balken) Bilden-sharing his birthday with his only daughter. He was raised on the family farm near Rothsay, where he learned the values of hard work, faith, and family that guided him throughout his life.

Roger graduated from Rothsay High School and attended Fergus Falls Community College. On September 7, 1963, he married his high school sweetheart, Kathy Barsness. Together they began their life in Bloomington, Minnesota, where they raised their three children during their first 12 years of marriage. Roger completed his apprenticeship as a journeyman brick layer in the Twin Cities and took great pride in his work as a union bricklayer, contributing to many notable building projects during his career.

In 1975, Roger and Kathy returned to Rothsay and made their home on the Bilden family farm. Roger enjoyed his time farming and raising cattle with his father Melvin, wife Kathy, and their children. At age 42, he returned to bricklaying full time with Johnson Nelson Masonry while continuing to farm, balancing both callings with dedication and grit. His work ethic was beyond reproach.

Roger truly enjoyed life's simple pleasures: deer hunting, morning coffee with friends, visiting with the gals at the Truckstop, solving crossword puzzles, and playing cards with his family. Roger also enjoyed smoking his Marlboro reds, riding in his beloved pickup trucks maintained with the indispensable assistance of JR. Above all else, Roger treasured time spent with his wife, children, and grandchildren, who were the center of his world.

Roger is survived by his wife of nearly 63 years, Kathy; his children, Jay (Beth), John (Jen), and Sara (Tony) Dick; and his six grandchildren, Rebecca, Jenna, Finn, Jackson, Autumn, and Jordan. He is also survived by his sister, Marlys Carlsrud; lifetime friend and brother-in-law, Bob Boe; and many cherished nieces and nephews, and numerous cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Melvin and Evelyn Bilden; his sister, Charleen; and his brother-in-law, Doug Carlsrud.

Roger will be remembered for his steady presence, strong work ethic, playful smirk, quick wit, and, most of all, his deep and abiding love for his family.

Memorial Service: 2:00 p.m. Saturday, April 18, 2026 at New Life Lutheran Church in Rothsay, MN.

Assistance provided by Olson Funeral and Cremation in Fergus Falls.

Online condolences may be sent to www.olsonfuneralhome.com