Roger A. Casselman

NORFOLK – Funeral service for Roger A. Casselman, 81 of Norfolk, will be held at 10:30 AM Thursday, April 3, 2025 at Stonacek Funeral Chapel, Norfolk. Officiating the service will be Pastor Tim DeFor. Military rites will be provided by the American Legion Post 16, V.F.W. Post 1644 of Norfolk, Nebraska American Legion Riders, and the United States Air Force Honor Guard. Burial will take place at Prospect Hill Cemetery, Norfolk, Visitation will be held from 4:00 - 7:00 PM Wednesday, also at Stonacek Funeral Chapel, Norfolk. Roger passed away on March 29, 2025, at his residence in Norfolk. Stonacek Funeral Chapel is in charge of the arrangements. Roger Allan Casselman was born on September 3, 1943, in Plainview, Nebraska to Everett and Dorothy (Jensen) Casselman. Roger met his father only once, as an infant. Everett Casselman was killed in action in 1944 when his plane was shot down over the North Sea while serving in the Army Air Corps during World War II. In 1946, Roger’s mother, Dorothy, married Harry Paulsen, and the family moved to a farmhouse between Battle Creek and Pierce. There, Roger and his younger half-brother, Keith Paulsen, grew up helping Harry on the family farm. On the farm, Roger enjoyed hunting, fishing, working with animals, and spending time outdoors. Roger graduated from Battle Creek High School in 1962 and joined the Air Force in 1964 during the height of the Vietnam War. He served as an Airman Basic/Air Policeman from February 1, 1964, to November 2, 1966. After his time in the service, Roger began working at the Norfolk Daily News, where he operated and maintained the printing presses and other machinery. He played a key role in implementing and troubleshooting each generation of computers used to create the daily publication. Roger worked at the Daily News for 40 years before retiring in 2007. While working at the Daily News, Roger met the love of his life, Karen (Benish) Efta. They were married November 15, 1980, in Norfolk, with Karen’s son from her first marriage, John Efta, serving as their ring bearer. Roger and Karen welcomed their first daughter, Rachel, in 1985, followed by their youngest daughter, Sarah, in 1986. Roger enjoyed taking his children and grandchildren fishing in his boat and teaching them to appreciate the outdoors. Some of the family’s favorite memories include Roger giving his children and grandchildren rides around the backyard in the little red wagon he’d pull behind his John Deere riding mower. He was also an avid bowler, having bowled multiple perfect games during his league years. Roger instilled a love and respect for animals in his children and grandchildren, especially for dogs. Throughout his life, he adopted many dogs, loving each one of them almost as much as they loved him. His current dogs, Bernie and Rexie, miss him deeply. Rexie was never far from Roger’s lap in his favorite armchair and is lost without him. Roger was incredibly proud of his military service, which led him to be active in many roles in the Norfolk VFW Post 1644 throughout his life. He served multiple terms as Commander of the VFW, organizing the Color Guard to perform military rites at the funerals of other veterans and ensuring they received the respect and honor they deserved for their service. Even after stepping down as Commander, Roger continued to organize the Color Guard for military funerals until his health no longer allowed him to do so. At the time of his passing, he served as Sergeant at Arms for the Norfolk VFW. Roger also enjoyed calling numbers for the weekly Thursday night split-the-pot event and assisting with Sunday morning breakfasts at the VFW. Roger is survived by his wife, Karen, of 44 years; children John (Jen) Efta of Hadar, Rachel Casselman of Norfolk, and Sarah (Tim) Nelson of Norfolk; five grandchildren, Christopher Efta, Nickolas Efta, Leigha Nelson, Jordan Nelson, and Jaden Nelson; as well as many cousins, nieces and nephews, and many friends. Roger was preceded in death by his father, Everett Casselman; mother, Dorothy Paulsen; stepfather, Harry Paulsen; half-brother, Keith Paulsen; parents-in-law, Roy and Freida Benish; sister-in-law, Carol Keating; multiple friends; and many dogs who his family hopes were waiting to greet him. In true Roger fashion, he faced his brief battle with cancer with strength and pride. He passed away on March 29, 2025, which was National Vietnam War Veterans Day. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the VFW Post 1644 Color Guard to support their ongoing work of honoring fellow veterans with military rites. Condolences may be expressed to the family on-line at www.stonacekfuneralchapel.com.

Tributes

Roger A. Casselman

September 3, 1943 - March 29, 2025