Roger Willis Risser, Sr., passed away peacefully December 8, 2025 at Hillcrest Rehabilitation Center in Mankato, MN at the age of 92.

Roger was born April 20, 1933 in Albert Lea, MN to Mabel Rosemount Harriman and Orville Andrew Risser. As a youngster, Roger was always into sports and was a stellar athlete in high school and college. After high school graduation, Roger enlisted in the Air Force serving four years in England and four years in Madison, WI. His love for sports and recreation landed him a spot on the Air Force ball teams, and he ran the base bowling alley in Madison.

After he retired from the service, Roger went back to college at Minnesota State University at Winona (called Winona State at the time). He played college football (starting quarterback) and baseball and obtained a degree in Physical Education. In 1963, he became a teacher, phy ed instructor, and coach at Dodge Center High School. He coached baseball and wrestling, but his heart was in basketball. Always searching for that better coaching gig, Roger took similar teaching and coaching positions in Stevens Point, WI (1968) and Minocqua, WI (1970). In Minocqua, he coached the Lakeland HS Thunderbirds basketball squad to their first conference title in many years. In 1973, Roger moved the family back to his roots (southern Minnesota) and took a position teaching and coaching in the Mankato school system, ultimately retiring from Hoover Elementary School in North Mankato in 1997, where they named a recreational run, the “Risser Run” in tribute.

Roger is survived by his sons, Roger Jr., Charles, and Michael; daughter, Robin (Randy) Matejcek; grandchildren, Zack (Helen Rosing) Matejcek, Samantha (Cody) Pederson, Dawson Risser, Miana Risser, and Logan Risser; and great-grandson, Rhett Pederson.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Orville and Mabel; and sisters, Majel Bell and Janice Brookins.

A celebration of Roger’s life will be held from 1-3pm, Saturday, December 20, 2025 at Northview-North Mankato Mortuary with military honors at 3pm.