Roger D. Rickheim died peacefully, surrounded by his loving family, on Saturday, March 31, 2007, at Thorne Crest Center, Health Care Wing. He was 76 years old.

Roger was born in Albert Lea on Aug. 22, 1930, the son of Theodore and Loretta (Doyle) Rickheim. He was baptized and confirmed at First Lutheran Church and was a 1949 graduate of Albert Lea High School. He was united in marriage with Marlene Wolff in 1949 (they were divorced in 1969) and they had three children:

Kathy, Debbie and Mark.

Roger and his brother, Robert, had owned and operated Rickheim Septic Tank and Portable Toilet Service for many years. He had also worked for Boyd and Jack’s and Red Owl grocery stores, along with various other jobs in the area. He had been a member of the Elks for 28 years, AA since 1981, Sons of Norway supporter, and his name was inscribed on the Katherine Island Mermaid plaque as a contributor. He was inducted into the Freeborn County Fast Pitch Softball Hall of Fame in 1986. He enjoyed fishing and hunting trips with his friends, gambling trips to Las Vegas, and playing cards.

Roger will be remembered for his generous nature, keen sense of humor and telling of jokes.

Roger is survived by his loving soul mate, Maxine &8220;Maxie&8221; Wacholz of Albert Lea; three children: Kathy (Don) Greydanus of Kalamazoo, Mich., Debbie (Bill) Rupp of St. Paul and Mark (Colleen) Rickheim of Woodbury;

nine grandchildren:

Marissa, Jennifer, Beth, Christopher, Suzanne, Thomas, Courtney, Megan and Stephen; two great-grandchildren: Talus and Armani; and one brother.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Robert; and twin sisters in infancy.

Roger&8217;s family wishes to express their gratitude to Crossroads Hospice, Thorne Crest Retirement Home staff, Dr. Maria Oliveras and Dr. James Leenstra for the care and help in allowing Roger to die peacefully with dignity.

The funeral service for Roger D. Rickheim will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Friday at First Lutheran Church, Albert Lea. The Rev. Dan Baker will officiate.

Burial will be in Lakewood Cemetery. Visitation will be two hours before the service at the church. Bonnerup Funeral Service is in charge of the arrangements.