Roger Milo Else, age 82, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loved ones on September 15, 2026, at 6:00 p.m.

Roger was born on December 29, 1943, in Luverne, Minnesota, to Lyle and Lyla Else. At three years old, his family moved to Marshall, Minnesota, where he grew up and graduated from Marshall High School in 1962. Following high school, Roger attended Mankato State University for two years and proudly served his community in the Minnesota National Guard.

His career began after moving to Boulder, Colorado, where he worked for Mountain Bell. He later returned home to Minnesota, continuing his career in Information Technology with Northwestern Bell.

On July 2, 1982, Roger married his beloved wife, Ilene (Liz). Together, they built a life in North Branch, Minnesota, where they lived from 1982 to 2002 and raised their three boys, Christopher, Nathan and Andrew. Roger was deeply committed to public service and local governance. During his time in North Branch, he served on the Branch City Council and remained on the North Branch City Council after the two communities merged. In 2002, he served as the Mayor of North Branch.

Upon retiring in 2002, Roger and Liz moved to Finlayson, Minnesota. His dedication to public service continued as he served as Chairman on the Willow River School Board and as Chairman for Bremen Township. In 2018, they relocated to Pine City, where Roger served as the Planning and Zoning Commissioner for Pine City Township. Due to declining health, he moved to the Countryside Senior Townhomes in Rush City in 2026.

Outside of his civic involvement and work, Roger was an avid golfer, gardener, and wood carver who took great joy in his hobbies and time spent with family and friends.

Roger will be sadly missed by his loving wife, Ilene (Liz); his sons, Christopher Hjelmberg, Nathan Hjelmberg (Anna), and Andrew Else (Blanca); his brother, Butch Else (Edie); his 8 grandchildren; and 1 great-grandchild. He also leaves behind a special sister-in-law who was like a sister to him, Sharon White (Herman Jr.), along with many extended family members and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Lyle and Lyla Else, and his sister, Joyce Erickson (Ray).

A Memorial Service will be held at the North Branch American Legion Club, (6439 Elm St., North Branch, MN) on Saturday, October 10, 2026 from 1pm to 4pm.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that cards and well wishes be sent to: Williamson-White Funeral Home, 222 Harriman Ave N. Amery, WI 54001.