Roger Earl Gessell

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He loved being a dad, and he loved being involved.

Roger was born in Ogden, Utah, during the midst of the Great Depression. His parents, Earl Gessell and Mildred Hansen, separated when he was very young, and Roger was raised by his maternal grandparents. His childhood took him to many places throughout Utah, where he developed fond memories of riding horses around Magna, Kennecott, and various parts of the Salt Lake Valley.

Roger attended many different schools, but during those years, there was always work to be done on the family farm, and learning often took a back seat to responsibility. Those early years helped shape the independent man he would become, giving him a strong work ethic and a determination to make his own way in the world. Life was not always easy, but Roger continued to grow, mature, and find his path.

Eventually, he enlisted in the United States Army and proudly served as an Airborne paratrooper during the Korean War. He received an honorable discharge and returned home, where he helped care for parents and siblings who had fallen on hard times.

It was during this time that Roger met his future bride, Doris Lindsay. The two married in Las Vegas in 1958 and began what would become a marriage of more than 60 years. Together they built a family with the arrival of Pamela Jill, David Roger, and Scott Lindsay.

Roger was an active and hardworking father. He spent his working years as a Teamster for IML Freight Lines, often coming home from driving truck only to start another day’s work on the small mink farm, help with the children, and take care of all the countless things that keep a family going. His love of animals was so strong that he even began veterinary training, although family responsibilities eventually led him in another direction.

He gave generously of his time to his family and community. Roger was active in the Boy Scouts, spending countless hours at troop meetings, pinewood derbies, camps, and activities, teaching young boys the skills and values they would carry with them through life. He coached football and baseball and was always there to support his children at school programs, games, wrestling matches, and everything else they were involved in. He loved being a dad, and he loved being involved.

Roger had many passions throughout his life, but few things brought him more joy than animals. He raised and showed German Shepherds, taking great pride in his dogs and bringing home many ribbons from competitions. He was also an avid racing pigeon enthusiast and maintained his own loft in the backyard, caring for, training, and racing his pigeons. He won many races and took great pride in his birds. He and Doris also shared a love of horses and enjoyed success racing them at Wyoming Downs.

After more than 45 years of driving truck without receiving a single citation, Roger retired and moved with Doris to Mesquite, Nevada. Retirement did not mean slowing down. He volunteered with the American Legion, drove for the VFW, taking veterans to medical appointments in Las Vegas, and helped run the local Scout office. He continued his commitment to young people by becoming a Scoutmaster, organizing meetings, camps, and activities.  Oh, how he loved his boys.

Roger was devoted to Doris and cared for her faithfully until her passing in 2018. After losing the love of his life, he returned to Utah and was cared for by his oldest son, David, in Kearns. Although health challenges and other struggles were a part of his later years, David cared for his father with patience, compassion, and understanding.

Roger lived a life filled with hard work, service, family, animals, adventure, and plenty of stories. He touched the lives of his children, grandchildren, scouts, fellow veterans, friends, and many others along the way.

He will be deeply missed, lovingly remembered, and never forgotten.

Roger was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Doris; his brothers; and one great-grandson.

He is survived by his sister, Judy; his three children; 11 grandchildren; 29 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild, along with many extended family members and friends who loved him dearly.