Roger Cole

Roger Cole, 75, passed away January 17, 2018, at his home in Alexandria Minnesota as a result of multiple myeloma. He was a 53 year survivor of type one diabetes. He was born, raised, and educated in Northeast Iowa. He was married to Linda Wessels for nearly 52 years. They had two children; Tyler and Jennifer Cole. Roger spent his early career serving senior citizens in Nebraska and was instrumental in drafting national legislation for meals and transportation programs for the elderly.

In the late 70s, his brother-in-law suggested that someone in the family should own a fishing resort. That idea culminated in the purchase and operation of Hunts Resort on Lake Minnewaska near Glenwood, Minnesota. At the resort, Roger’s good nature and sense of humor entertained many patrons and guests. Working with Linda, they expanded the business and made many improvements. After the sale of the resort in 1989, Roger took time to care for his ailing mother in law and father in Iowa. On his return to Minnesota, he worked several jobs until he joined Tanis Aircraft in Glenwood, Minnesota. At Tanis, Roger was known for his attention to detail in the parts department and his instigation of occasional mischief.

Roger was well read. His love of books stemmed from his beloved Grandmother Cole who would read the classics to him as a child on the porch swing. Reading history was his favorite past time. He could recite historical events by dates and circumstances. His sharp wit was well known. When often asked how he was doing, he would reply “Pretty good, well I’m pretty anyway “or “If I was any better I’d be good”.

As a child he was introduced to pocket watches by his favorite Uncle Lew. Uncle Lew often took Roger fishing. The time to go back home was determined by Lew’s pocket watch which hung from a shoestring in his bib overhauls. Roger inherited that watch and it led to a lifetime fascination for pocket watches.

Roger was a lifelong hunter. As a teen, he hundred squirrels, pheasant, and waterfowl. This coupled well with his love of dogs, especially Labrador Retrievers. As a young man in Nebraska, he was involved in training labs for AKC Field Trials. One of his favorite dogs was an accomplished female black lab named Brandy. Roger and Brandy along with his son and other friends hunted all over Nebraska and rural Minnesota pursuing pheasant, grouse, ducks, and geese. Later on, deer hunting became a passion. Well before the season started, he would participate in hunting rituals with his friend Chuck Carlson to prepare for the great deer camp near Sebeka, Minnesota.

Despite his early disapproval of cats, he came to appreciate their company and was seldom without their presence.

Roger (Red) Cole was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Merna Cole. He is survived by his wife, Linda; son, Tyler (Barb)of Fairbanks, Alaska; daughter, Jennifer Cole of New Brighton, MN; granddaughter, Gwendolyn; and brother, Richard of Glenwood, MN.

Visitation will be from 11:00 - 2:00 Saturday, January 20, 2018, at Nelson Gables Governor’s room, 1220 Nokomis Street, Alexandria, MN. Lunch will be served. Inurnment will be held at a later date in Independence, IA.

Memorials are preferred to Lowell and Ruth Gess UMC Eye Hospital (Sierra Leone), Lakes Area Humane Society, or Douglas County Hospice.