Rodger F. Josiger

Rodger F. Josiger, 91, passed away on Wednesday, August 20, 2025, at his home surrounded by family. He was born on August 22, 1933, in Wausau, WI, son of the late William and Irene (Powers) Josiger. On February 6, 1960, he married Ruth Thomas at St. Anne’s Catholic Church in Wausau, WI. Rodger graduated from Wausau High School in 1951. He enlisted in the United States Navy working as a Squadron Electronics Technician and was a Korean War veteran. Rodger worked at Drott Manufacturing from 1959 until his retirement in 1990.

In Rodger’s early years, he enjoyed numerous fishing trips to Northern Wisconsin and Canada, hunting, golfing, cooking, and volunteering for many church activities at St. Anne’s. Later on in Rodger’s life, he enjoyed gardening, traveling, mowing the lawn, and putting puzzles together. During his entire life, Rodger valued his family and believed in spending time with those he loved.

Rodger is survived by his three children Cheryl (Dewey) Allen, Wausau WI, Debra (Gianni) Josiger-Holzem, Neenah WI, and Rodger (Jennifer) Josiger, Wausau WI; five grandchildren Caitlin (Nick Kasza), Benjamin, and Nathan Holzem, Nicholas and Ryan Josiger; step-granddaughter Monica (Paul Wagner) Allen; step-great grandchildren Lily and Liam Wagner; one brother Gerald (Marge) Josiger and 2 sisters Judy Dehnel and Carol (Danny) Sekerka. He is also survived by his brother-in-law, Robert (Karin) Thomas, Janesville WI and sister-in-law, Eldonna Thomas, Marinette WI; and many nieces and nephews.

Rodger was preceded in death by his wife, Ruth, and brothers William Josiger Jr., Kenneth Josiger, Michael Josiger and sisters Joan Krause, Susan Morris, Sally Ellenbecker, and Margie Josiger; son-in-law Rick Strasser and many brothers-and-sisters-in-law.

The funeral mass will be celebrated at St. Anne Catholic Church in Wausau, WI on Wednesday, August 27, 2025 at 11:00AM. Visitation will start at 9:00AM until the time of the service at the church. The funeral mass will be live streamed on stanneswausau.org. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Never Forgotten Honor Flight or the American Legion in Wausau. Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. The family thanks Cornerstone Care for supporting Rodger in his home and Aspirus Wausau Hospital and Aspirus Comfort Care & Hospice for their support of Rodger during his final days. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com.