Roger William Bannister

On Friday , March 1, 2024, Roger peacefully passed away, reuniting in heaven with his parents Delbert and Lucile Bannister, his wife Frances (Frankie) Bannister, brother Warren Bannister, and the many loved ones we have lost. Roger leaves behind his wife Stella (Cruz) Bannister, sister Marsha Cline, brother Tom(Joan) Bannister, son Partick (Chrissy) Bannister, daughter Julie (Jeremy) Woods, step-son Andrew (Peier) Morteboy, 10 grandchildren (Heather, Holly, Brianna, Autumn, Olivia, Riley, Logan, Parker, Frankie, Brelle), 5 great grandchildren (Jak, Eli, Ella, Everly, David) and many cousins, nieces, nephews.

Roger was born in Seymour, Indiana. He lived a life full of amazing adventures and some impressive shenanigans. Growing up on a dairy farm in Scipio, he had many farm duties at a young age and this fostered his love of agriculture and John Deere. Roger began working in a paper bag factory at the age of 16 by forging his age on his employment application. During this time, Roger would hitch hike to work until he learned to print his own license plates. Despite the questionable skills he acquired during his youth, he also studied his craft and became an expert in paper machines, authoring multiple patents, and eventually traveling the world to buy equipment and sell bags globally. It is through this path that he met many friends and explored cities all over the world. His favorite country to visit was Spain, and there was always time for fun; he loved to drive on the autobahn in Germany, he visited castles across Europe, he explored the middle east and traveled extensively in South America. Regardless of the time zone, he always made time to make new friends and immerse himself in diverse landscapes and cultures.

Roger was fortunate to find two loves during his lifetime. After multiple attempts to convince Frankie (McQueen) to marry him, Roger and Frankie were hitched in 1968 and celebrated 35 years of marriage. Throughout their early years, life was full, raising a family and building a home and farm. During this time, Roger worked in a factory by day, farmed on nights and weekends and drove a church bus on Sunday. As time flew by, life brought changes and relocations. When their kids left home, Roger and Frankie found pleasure in visiting their family and farm in Indiana, traveling, and spending time with their grandchildren. Roger met Stella Cruz while working in Bogota, Colombia. They were married in 2008, and spent 15 years working, traveling and enjoying time with their friends and family. Roger and Stella had a passion for sharing their faith through ministry. Stella cared for Roger in Rochester MN over the last two years of his life.

Throughout his life, Roger has called many places home; Indiana, Missouri, Arkansas, Louisiana, and Kentucky. His legacy extends beyond borders, with friends and family scattered across many states and countries. In his heart, Roger was a farmer. He loved his farm and working on tractors. Roger had immense pride in his grandchildren, who could do no wrong (even when they did). He loved the Lord, Clint Eastwood, Cracker Barrel and crispy bacon. He could get fired up when discussing politics and was adamant that everyone should use Mobile 1 oil. Roger was everything to us. He could tell the best stories, he was always on the move, he had an infectious laugh, he made friends who quickly became family, he was a big man with a big heart who will be missed beyond words.

The family will receive friends on Sunday, March 10, 2024 from 5:00 pm until 8:00 PM at the Christensen Family Funeral Home, Seymour Chapel and on Monday, March 11, 2024 from 10:00 AM until 11:00 AM at the funeral home. Funeral services will begin at 11:00 AM at the funeral home with Pastor Tom Schaefer officiating. Roger will be laid to rest in Vernon Cemetery in Vernon, Indiana.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Mayo Clinic whose doctors, nurses, and staff blessed Roger and his family with loving care and compassion.

Friends are invited to leave condolence messages for the family at www.christensenfamilyfuneral.com.

Daniel & Betsy Christensen have been entrusted with the arrangements.