Roger D. Simota

Roger D. Simota, born on July 6, 1954, in New Prague, Minnesota, courageously battled cancer for nearly two years and passed away at Mayo Hospital in La Crosse, WI, on September 3, 2023. He was surrounded by his loving family during his final moments.

Roger grew up on a farm in Heidelberg, Minnesota, and graduated from Le Sueur High School in Le Sueur, Minnesota, in 1973. After a short stay in Colorado in 1974, he moved back to Minnesota and attended Minnesota State University Mankato from 1975 to 1979.

Roger moved to Winona, MN, where he met his wife, Mary, in 1980. They married on June 4, 1983, in La Crosse, WI, and moved to Trempealeau, WI, where Roger built their log cabin home with help from his father, brothers, and friends. Roger quickly became a part of the Trempealeau Community and was known as a friend to all. His warmth and generosity touched the lives of many.

Roger dedicated his life to his profession. He was the proud owner of Roger Simota Country Homes and spent over 45 years building beautiful log homes throughout the Midwest and Eastern United States. His craftsmanship and passion for his work left an enduring mark on countless families who found joy and solace in the homes he and his crews built.

Outside of his work, Roger enjoyed a wide range of interests. He loved playing golf at Trempealeau Mountain Golf Club and Highlands Reserve Golf Club in Florida. He enjoyed playing Wednesday night basketball and Thursday night softball with his friends. Roger loved live music and often attended concerts such as Willie Nelson, Trampled By Turtles, and Railroad Earth. Every Fall, he looked forward, with slight skepticism, to the Vikings home opener. Last year, he attended the home opener with his son and friends, where he took great pride in witnessing the Vikings beat the Packers. Roger was also a dedicated gardener and always enjoyed sharing his harvest and bouquets with his family and neighbors.

Roger attended many live auctions throughout the area and enjoyed purchasing and selling rare coins and listing unique items and findings on Wise Owl Auctions. Roger also enjoyed traveling to Florida with his wife, visiting Rocky Mountain National Park, and, most of all, telling stories. Roger was a person who truly loved life – if you ever heard him tell his stories, you know he lived his life to the fullest.

Roger was preceded in death by his parents, Dorothy (Schlingmann) and Joseph Simota, his sisters, Linda Lumsden and Debra Tellijohn, and his nephew Adam Tellijohn.

Roger is survived by his beloved wife, Mary (Young) Simota, son and daughter-in-law, William and Ashley Simota, daughter Katie Simota, and his cherished granddaughter, Elani Simota. He was also a dear brother to Joseph, Mark, Robert, and Mike Simota. Roger was a loving uncle and great uncle to many nieces and nephews and will forever hold a special place in their hearts.

A Celebration of Life will be held at the Trempealeau Hotel Restaurant and Saloon on Nov. 11, 2023, from 1 - 4 p.m. We encourage all attendees to wear plaid flannel in honor of Rog. Please visit Roger’s memorial website, https://everloved.com/life-of/roger-simota/ to RSVP.

In lieu of flowers, Roger requested donations be made to Mayo Clinic Esophageal Cancer Research in his memory. More information about donating to the cause Roger felt strongly about can also be found on his memorial website, https://everloved.com/life-of/roger-simota/ .

Roger's legacy of friendship, generosity, and community will continue to inspire those who had the privilege of knowing him. He will be deeply missed by all.