G. Roger Waddel

G. Roger Waddel, 83 of Webster died on Tuesday, September 27, 2011 at Sun Dial Manor in Bristol. Funeral services will be at 2:00 P.M. Friday at Sun Dial Manor in Bristol, Rev. Jan FitzGibbon officiating. Burial will be at Webster Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials by be directed to Sun Dial Manor, P.O. Box 337, Bristol, SD 57219. Visitation will be on Thursday 5-7 P.M. and prior to services on Friday. Garner Roger Waddel was born on Tuesday, October 19, 1926 to Garner J. and Florence (Sanborn) Waddel at Webster, South Dakota. He attended and graduated from Webster High School in 1945 and then served in the U.S. Army from 1945 to 1946. After his discharge he returned to Webster and served in the South Dakota National Guard. He also attended the University of South Dakota. Upon his return to Webster he worked as a painter, carpenter and cabinet maker for twenty years. He worked for the South Dakota Department of Game, Fish and Parks as a conservation officer and then worked for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service at he Waubay Refuge. He was united in marriage to Rita Royce on July 3, 1972. They made their home in Webster. Upon his retirement in 1985, Roger devoted his time to hunting, fishing and especially his passion for woodworking. He devoted many hours doing volunteer woodworking projects in and for his church. Many people around the United States have woodworking projects that Roger completed or repaired. On January 24, 2008, Roger moved into the Johnson Center Assisted Living in Bristol where he made many friends among fellow residents and staff. On Septemer 9, 2011 he moved into Sun Dial Manor where he was lovingly cared for by the excellent staff, hospice staff and Dr. Likness. While in the Johnson Center, he became an avid Minnesota Twins Fan. Roger passed away on Tuesday, September 27, 2011 at Bristol, South Dakota at the age of 83 years, 11 months and 8 days. Survivors include his wife, Rita of Webster; a step-daughter, Wendy (Gene) Grode of Albuquerque, NM; a sister, Jeanie (Harold) Miller of Sarasota, FL; a brother-in-law, Bill Lass of Mankato, MN; a sister-in-law, Charlote Reitnauer of Topeka, KS; four step-grandchildren; one niece and three nephews; and his good friend, Duane Anderson. He was preceded in death by his parents, a sister, Marilyn, and a step-daughter, Patty.