Roger T Risley, 64, of Amnicon, died Friday, April 26, 2024, at home in the loving care of his family.

Roger was born in Milwaukee, WI in 1959, the son of Guy Frank and Melva Joyce Risley.

He graduated from Catholic Memorial High School and went on to attend UW LaCrosse and later UW Stevens Point graduating with a Soil Science degree in 1983.

He began his soil science career working for the State of Illinois and then the USDA which brought him to the Northland.  After retiring from his professional career, he spent a couple years as a substitute teacher for the Maple School District.  There he fulfilled his passion for teaching and connecting with students.

Roger met his beloved life partner Mary Rapps in Spring of 1998, and they married on March 17, 2000.

First and foremost, Roger was a family man.  He adored his family and found great joy in serving them and spending time together.  He was an excellent role model for all who witnessed his loving nature.

Roger was active in Mission Covenant Church and held several roles there. He was also a community builder and deeply loved people, always open to helping anyone in need.  He volunteered for a number of organizations including Men as Peacemakers and Duluth NAACP.  What was special about Rog was that he formed relationships with the people he helped that extended far beyond expectations.

Roger had many interests including a love for the outdoors and music.  He enjoyed playing the snare drum with the Duluth Scottish Heritage Pipes and Drums and more recently with Deepwater Music where he was a drummer and vocalist.

He was preceded in death by his parents, sister, Rosalie Risley and brother-in-law Wally Balcerzak.

Roger is survived by his wife, Mary; children, Rueban (Sarah) Risley of Hawthorne, Melvin (Courtney) Risley of Morgan Park, MN, Samuel Risley of Washington DC, and Gabriella Risley of Amnicon; grandchildren, Kloe, Reece, Eli, and Auron Risley, and Ethan and Carter Smith; sisters, Rita Balcerzak of Hugo, MN, and Ruth Risley (Gary) Gray of Wausau; as well as his beloved nieces, nephews, and many extended family and friends.

A visitation will be held on Saturday, May 18th at 1:00 p.m. followed by a memorial service at 2:00 p.m. at Mission Covenant Church, 5161 S County Rd P, Poplar, WI 54864.

In lieu of flowers, plant a tree, or donate to Men as Peacemakers, 123 W Superior Street, Duluth, MN 55802, www.menaspeacemakers.org/donate.