Roger Duane Wilson

Roger Duane Wilson, of McCook, Nebraska, passed away at home surrounded by loved ones in McCook, Nebraska on January 18, 2024, at the age of 90.

Roger was born to Donald and Freda (Sutton) Wilson in Red Cloud, Nebraska. Roger grew up in Gordon, Nebraska but kept close ties to his family in Red Cloud and Inavale. He graduated from Gordon High School in 1952 as the class valedictorian. Roger joined the United States Navy in October 1954, proudly serving his country and was honorably discharged in 1956.

Roger married the love of his life Marjorie Janet (Olson) Wilson on July 28, 1957, in Gordon. Together, they were blessed with three children: Kim, Michael, and Donald.

Roger received his bachelor’s degree in biology from Chadron State College in 1960. He then taught and coached at Sargent, Madrid-Elsie, and Nebraska City high schools. Roger earned his master’s degree in biology from the University of Montana in 1968. He began teaching biology, zoology, and microbiology classes at McCook Community College in 1970. Roger influenced the lives and careers of countless students in southwest Nebraska.

Everywhere he went, there would be greetings to “Mr. Wilson” and he was fondly remembered for the annual Niobrara River canoe trip.  Roger also influenced the lives of 30 high school students from across the state when he was the director of the Youth Conservation Corps (YCC) in McCook for many summers.

After his retirement from teaching in 2000, Roger was elected to the Mid-Plains Community College Board of Governors serving from 2002 to 2010.

Roger enjoyed fishing, ice fishing, hunting, reloading ammo, reading, and gardening. He was an avid garage sale and auction bargain hunter. Roger was a member of the Elks Club and the American Legion.

Those left to celebrate Roger’s life are his wife Marjorie; children, Kim (Jim) Conroy of Papillion, NE, Michael Wilson of Indianola, NE, and Donald Wilson of McCook, NE; four grandchildren, Chris (Kelcie) Wilson of Omaha, NE, Andy (Stacey) Conroy of Lincoln, NE, William (Sarah) Conroy of Council Bluffs, IA, and Katy (Nick) Shaneyfelt of Wheat Ridge, CO; seven great-grandchildren, Dylan, Rowan, Ava, Henry, Sorchal, Basil, and Glenn; and brother, Jack (Anne) Wilson of Papillion, NE. He was proceeded in death by his beloved parents.

Memorial contributions are suggested in lieu of flowers to the McCook College Foundation, P.O. Box 195, 1205 East Third St., McCook, NE 69001.

Memorial services will be held Monday, January 22, 2024, at 10:00 AM at the Evangelical Free Church in McCook.

Burial with military honors will be held at Fort McPherson National Cemetery in Maxwell, NE at a later date.

Carpenter Breland Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements. Please visit our website at www.carpenterbreland.com to sign the online guestbook for the Wilson family.