"My deepest sympathy in the loss of Roger. He was one of the good guys. If there were more people like him, the world would be a much better place. My thoughts and prayers are with the family at this time. Fred Link"
In loving memory of
Roger A. Farland
February 1, 1947 - April 2, 2017
Roger Alan Farland was born in a blizzard on February 1, 1947, in Fairmont, Minnesota, the son of Edwin and Viola (Vigdal) Farland. He grew up on the family farm near Swea City and was driving tractors by the age of 7. He graduated from Swea City High School in 1965 and he began farming with his father until Ed retired in 1974. He and Karen continued the farming operation and Ryan joined them in 1996.
On February 10, 1973, Roger was united in marriage to Karen Nelson in Welcome, Minnesota. After their marriage they lived on the family farm near Swea City. Karen was his right hand woman. Through his farming years, Roger helped with his parent's milking operation and raised hogs in addition to the crops. The fall harvest and combining corn was his favorite time of year. On November 12, 2016 he finished his last harvest. He had a special love for the Lord and farming.
Roger enjoyed crop gazing in the Ranger with Bailey at his side, attending Farm Fest and farm auctions. In his early years he enjoyed fishing, car shows and vacationing with his family in Yellowstone National Park. At home you'd find him watching Gunsmoke and Little House on the Prairie or listening to the Forester Sisters. He was a friend to many and enjoyed visits with them at all the local establishments.
Roger died Sunday, April 2, 2017, at the Mayo Clinic Methodist Hospital in Rochester, Minnesota. He was 70.
He is survived by his wife, Karen Farland of Swea City; children, Shannon and Ed Goche of Bancroft; Ryan and Erin Farland of Swea City; Haley and Jozhue Palone of Sacramento; eight grandchildren, Madisyn, Grant, Garrett and Gavin Goche; Kayla and Wyatt Farland, Avianna and Maximo Palone; and a brother, Richard and Jan Farland of Potomac Falls, VA.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Kenneth Farland, in infancy and James Farland; sister-in-law, Hiroko Olsen; brothers-in-law, Jerry Westberg and Doug Nelson and his beloved pet, Bailey.
Tributes
"Dear Karen and family, I am so sad to hear of Roger's passing. What a terrible loss for all of you. I have many memories of Roger from decades ago. From his GTO Judge days to helping him walk beans. He was a very kind gentle man. My sincere sympathy. Kathy Silverthorn Lake Havasu City AZ"
"So sorry for all of Roger's family. Prayers and thoughts as you go through this time of grief...memories, lots of them, so remember, laugh and cry...those are the things that keep him alive in your hearts..."
"Very good neighbor and friend. Dan and Mildred (Quam) Eicher"
"Remember raceing Roger in his 58 Pontiac "
"I was so saddened to hear of this, he and I were very close growing up talking farming, cars, and tractors. we just talked at virgil tokheim's funeral and said we needed to get together. I'm so sorry. he was the most gentle person i've ever met. "
"Roger will be missed. Heartfelt sympatheis. Silas Goche"
"Roger was such a good man. He will be missed. Our heartfelt sympathies."
"Karen and family and Ryan and family You all are in my thoughts and prayers. I was saddened when I heard of Rogers passing. I enjoyed working with Roger while I was at the elevator. He is with God and feels no sickness or pain. You are all in my thoughts and prayers "
"Deb and I are very sad - I don't have many cousins left.. it was certainly nice seeing and visiting with Roger a couple times a year. Too bad we didn't get more times together. Karen you and the family are in our thoughts and prayers. Sympathies in the Name of Christ."
"Our thoughts and prayers go to Karen and the family. So sorry for your loss. Alan and Linda Honken."
"Karen and family, My thoughts and prayers are with you and family. God bless."
"So sorry for your loss. May God wrapp his arms around you & give you peace. Blessings. Henry & Debbie Mayland"
"So sorry for your loss. May God hold you in his loving arms!"
"Sorry for your loss. Thoughts and prayers for the whole family.
Larry and Darlene Rahe"
"Sorry for your loss. I only met him once in Fairmont when with my cousins, Reid and Dale Farland. Reid spoke of him often. Any farm kid has the right stuff, IMHO. (Dave Schmidt, formerly of Sherburn, now New Ulm)"
"Karen: My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family, I always thought a lot of Roger and you! Dawn (Larsen) Stensland"