Roger Laverne TONSAGER

1927 - 2024  (97 years)

• Name	Roger Laverne TONSAGER
  Birth	22 Apr 1927	Scott County, Minnesota
  Gender	Male
  Baptism	25 Apr 1927
  Confirmation	1941	West Christiania Lutheran Church, New Market Twp, Scott County, Minnesota
  	as Roger Luverne, son of Mr. and Mrs. Martin Tonsager
  MN Birth Cert Checked	Y
  Minnesota Birth Certificate	1927-28054
  Occupation	Building inspector, city of Hastings
  Death	4 Sep 2024	Minnesota
  Notes	Living with the Haagan and Amelia Hall family in the 1930 census. Amelia (Molly) was Roger’s mother’s sister. According to Greg, Roger was given to his aunt Amelia at his mother’s funeral. As Roger L Tousager on his indexed birth certificate. The tragedy surrounding the birth of the twins (both were born alive) and subsequent death of one of the twins and their mother left the birth and death records confusing. Birth certificate 28054 was for Roger L., the first twin born. Birth certificate 28055 was for Marion Leola, a male, the second twin born and the third child of Martin and Luella, all three children of whom were alive for a brief period of time. The death certificate for Raymond LeRoy includes the annotation, “B.C. gives name as Roger L.” The death certificate is also unclear about the death date of the twin, either April 25 or April 26. The best guess is that the first twin, Roger L., lived as Roger Laverne. The second twin was renamed Raymond LeRoy between birth and death. His official obit: Roger L. Tonsager, age 97, passed away peacefully surrounded by family in the early hours of September 4, 2024. Roger was born on April 22, 1927, to Martin and Luella Tonsager. Tragically, his mother and twin brother passed away soon after his birth. Subsequently, Roger’s infancy and childhood were spent with his maternal aunt, Molly (Amelia), her husband, Haagard Hall and their children. Roger met his beloved wife, Joan, during High School and they were married for 73 years until her passing in 2020. He was also preceded in death by his grandson, Jeremy Lakin; his sister, Marion Erickson; and his brother, Donald Tonsager. He is survived by his children, Luella (Jerry) Kramer, John (Mel) Tonsager, Cecelia (Bruce) Bauer, Kathy Lakin, Gregory (Val) Tonsager, Mary (Kevin) Fogarty, Madonna (Mike) Denley, Veronica (Lance) Johnstone, Peter (Janet) Tonsager; 24 grandchildren; 33 great grandchildren; and 2 great-great grandchildren. He is also survived by his brothers, David and Wayne Tonsager; and his niece, Dedie (Bob) Hanson). Roger enlisted in the Marine Corp towards the end of his High School years and was a proud veteran of WWII, having spent most of his service in occupied China. After his retirement, he and Joan spent almost twenty winters in Mesa, AZ where he found his true avocation in the art of Lapidary. During those years he made hundreds of pieces of beautiful jewelry which he willingly gifted to family and friends. Yet, his greatest joy was his grandchildren. As anyone who ever met him knows, he would praise their many accomplishments to all. The family would like to give a special thanks to the Benedictine Senior Living Staff, the Allina Hospice Care Team and to his friend, Kent Karlsson “The Swede” who visited him often. A Memorial Mass will be held on Tuesday, September 10, 2024 at 11 a.m. at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church, Hastings with visitation one hour prior to the time of the Mass. Roger will be interred with his wife, Joan at Lakeside Cemetery, Hastings at a later date.
  Person ID	I12732	Don Carlson's Tree
  Last Modified	15 Feb 2025

  
  

  Father	Martin Otto TONSAGER,   b. 28 Apr 1899, Minnesota d. 7 Jan 1982, Dakota County, Minnesota (Age 82 years)
  Mother	Luella Marie (Selma?) ANDERSON,   b. 7 Apr 1899, New Market Twp, Scott County, Minnesota d. 23 Apr 1927, Scott County, Minnesota (Age 28 years)
  Marriage	24 Nov 1920	Scott County, Minnesota
  Family ID	F9525	Group Sheet  |  Family Chart

  
  

  Family	Joan Marie MAHOWALD,   b. 5 Sep 1927, Minnesota d. 13 Apr 2020, Arizona (Age 92 years)
  Marriage	16 Apr 1947	Dakota County, Minnesota
  Family ID	F9526	Group Sheet  |  Family Chart
  Last Modified	5 Jul 2010