Roger Heglund

Roger Allen Heglund, 55, of Ankeny, Iowa, formerly of Willmar, died Wednesday at home from complications of Picks Dementia and ALS.

Visitation will be 4 to 7 p.m. Monday with a 7 p.m. prayer service at Our Lady's Immaculate Heart Catholic Church, Ankeny, Iowa.

A second visitation will be 1 to 3 p.m. Tuesday with a 3 p.m. prayer service at Peterson Brothers Funeral Home in Willmar. Burial will be in Evergreen Cemetery in Blomkest.

Roger was born May 14, 1955, in Willmar to Willard M. and Fern A. (Hoglund) Heglund. He graduated in 1973 from Raymond High School. He went on to chef training school and worked in the family restaurant, Freda's Bord. Roger later became a fireman and began his career with the Willmar Fire Department. Roger moved to Ankeny, Iowa, in 1984 and worked at the Ankeny Fire Department as training officer. From there he attained his paramedic license and became captain and EMS director. In 1997, he moved to Newton, Iowa, continuing his career as a fireman and paramedic.

Roger married Lori A. Johanning on Sept. 28, 1985, at St. Kilian Catholic Church. He loved to cook, ride motorcycles, be outdoors and listen to oldies. He was a member of many professional organizations including International Association of Arson Investigators, American Heart Association, Iowa Society of Fire Service Instructors, Ham Radio Operators and Gold Wing Road Riders Association. He was extremely proud of all his accomplishments both personally and professionally. He loved his family and friends dearly.

Roger is survived by his wife of 25 years, Lori, of Ankeny; daughter, Shannon, of West Fargo, N.D.; son, Cody, of Ankeny; mother, Fern Hoglund of Willmar; sisters, Marguerite (Roger) Peterson of Aberdeen, S.D., and Robin (Phillip) Bergstrom of Raymond; brother, Michael (Emily) Heglund of Willmar; and many nieces, nephews, family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his father in 2001.