Roger J. Preder, 65, of Waupaca, WI, passed away peacefully under hospice care at Cherry Meadows in Appleton on Friday, February 7, 2025 after a short illness.
Roger was born on August 9, 1959, in Plymouth, WI, to Edwin and Bernice (Rumpff) Preder. He grew up on the family farm, where he developed a deep love for the land that would stay with him for life. After graduating from New Holstein High School in 1977, he dedicated himself to farming, finding joy and purpose in working the fields and caring for the land.
On July 3, 1982, Roger married Debra C. Casper at St. John United Church of Christ in New Holstein. Together, they raised two sons and built a life centered around family and farming. In 1989, they moved to Fremont, WI, where Roger continued his passion for farming and started his grain hauling business, which he took great pride in. He was always willing to lend a hand to a fellow farmer or trucker in need.
Roger had a heart as big as the fields he plowed. A natural storyteller and jokester, he could strike up a conversation with anyone and leave them with a smile. He spent nearly 20 years as a dedicated 4-H dairy leader, sharing his knowledge and passion for farming with the next generation. In his quiet moments, he enjoyed watching John Wayne westerns, but nothing brought him more joy than his two grandsons. Owen and Finley "Finn" were the apples of his eye, and he never missed a chance to spoil them with John Deere tractor toys and other treasures.
Roger was taken too soon and will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him. He is survived by his wife of 42 years, Debra Preder of Waupaca; his sons, Brian Preder of Weyauwega and Daniel (Katie) Preder of Dry Ridge, KY; and his beloved grandsons, Owen and Finn Preder. He also leaves behind his siblings, Garry (Kim) Preder of Glenbeulah, Nancy Krahn (special friend Bruce "Froggy" Froh) of Glenbeulah, and Donald Preder of Watertown; his sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Yvonne Preder of Plymouth, Mary Lou (Paul) Abler of Mt. Calvary, Kenneth Casper of Marytown, Janet Casper of Mt. Calvary, Laura (Bill) Engel of Mt. Calvary, James (Bonnie) Casper of Chilton, and Larry (Barb) Casper of Chilton; along with many cherished nieces, nephews, extended family, and dear friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Edwin and Bernice Preder; his parents-in-law, Gilbert and Marie Casper; his brother, David Preder; three nephews, Jeremy Krahn, Adam Preder, and Mark Abler; three sisters-in-law, Rose Ann Stephany, Mary Casper, and Kathleen Casper; and a brother-in-law, Chuck Sesing.
A Funeral Service for Roger will be on Tuesday, February 18, 2025 at 8:00 PM at the Holly Funeral Home, 526 S. Main Street, Waupaca, WI 54981. The Reverend Dr. David Kohls of St. John United Church of Christ in New Holstein will officiate. Visitation will take place the same day from 1:00 - 8:00 PM at the Holly Funeral Home. Roger will be laid to rest on Wednesday, February 19, 2025 at 11:00 AM at Greenlawn Memorial Park, 6706 Superior Avenue, Kohler, WI 53044. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Roger’s name may be made to the Waupaca County Dairy Youth Committee. The Holly Funeral Home of Waupaca is assisting the family with arrangements.
