F. Roger Wolff

WEBSTER- F. Roger Wolff, 88 of Webster died on Friday, February 27, 2009 at Manorcare Health Systems in Aberdeen. Memorial services will be at 2:00 P.M. Tuesday, March 3, 2009 at Fiksdal Funeral Chapel in Webster, Fr. David Axtmann officiating. Cards of sympathy can be sent to Amy Wolff Sorter, 7403 Authon Drive, Dallas, TX 75248. Fiksdal Funeral Service (fiksdalfuneral.com) of Webster is in charge of the arrangements. An accomplished composer and pianist, F. Roger Wolff was born to Martin and Rose (Duchen) Wolff in St. Louis, Missouri on December 7, 1920. After obtaining his elementary and high school education in the St. Louis area public school system and serving his country in the U.S. Army during World War II, Roger moved to Chicago where he studied and graduated from Chicago Musical College. He remained in the Windy City for more than two decades, working as a pianist and composer for several bands, before relocating to Hollywood, California in the mid-1960’s. During his many years in SouthernCalifornia, he was much in demand as a musician, composer and musical coach, working with such singers such as Barbra Streisand and coaching actors including Warren Beatty. Roger moved to Webster, South Dakota in 1996, ultimately calling the town his “second home.” Two years later, Roger composed “Calling Hollywood,” an upbeat conglomeration of Broadway melodies and Big Band tunes. Roger pulled talented singers together from the northeast South Dakota area, and debuted the show in Webster during spring 1999. Following the debut’s success, Roger was invited to tour the show in various venues throughout South Dakota. He also composed “Way Up North in South Dakota,” and was working with the state legislature in hopes the tune could become the state’s song. He was well into the process when unfortunately bouts with neuropathy, other illnesses and finally, a diagnosis of non-Hodgkins lymphoma put the process to an end. He spent his last years valiantly fighting various illnesses and discomfort, keeping his humor, charm and intelligence to the very end. He touched many people during his lifetime and will be missed by all who knew and loved him. Roger is survived by a daughter, Amy Wolff Sorter and her husband David of Dallas, TX; a grandson, Michael Sorter of Dallas, TX; two brothers, Harold (Beverly) Wolff and Richard (Charlotte) Wolff ; and a sister Harriet Schwartz all of St. Louis, MO. He was preceded in death by his parents.