Lifetime Albert Lea resident Roger Oyer Brua, 69, passed quietly at his home Thursday, June 6, 2019, of a probable cardiac arrest. A memorial service will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday at First Lutheran Church. The Rev. John Holt will officiate. A procession and interment of both Roger and his mother, Vivian — who passed away in March — will be at Graceland Cemetery following the service. Friends may greet the family one hour prior to the service. Feel free to dress casually; Roger would.

Roger was born Jan. 11, 1950, in Albert Lea, the son of Ole (Oyer) and Vivian (Wrolson) Brua. He graduated from Albert Lea High School in 1968 after participating in football and wrestling.

He married Sharon Nelson Gerak in 1973, but they divorced in 1986.

He and Mary LaCore-Bjerk have been a couple for nine years, but have known each other since childhood. His time with Mary has been some of his best.

Roger worked for many years as a salesman at Crossroads Motors followed by 12 years as a dealer for Diamond Jo Casino in Northwood. He was a dedicated employee.

Roger’s first cardiac episode was at a local bar and grill in 2010. He was resuscitated by two off-duty EMTs. They gifted him nine more active years of life.

Rog enjoyed muscle cars, motorcycles and playing gin with his closest friends. He idolized Donald Trump and John Wayne. His care for his mother, Vivian, was a priority for him and her recent passing took a noticeable toll on him.

He had dozens of friends and will be truly missed.

Roger is survived by his brother, Rick, and his wife, Jill (Krause), as well as Rick and Jill’s children Ferrin Brua Hoffmann and Bridget Meyer McCarthy.

He is preceded in death by his parents and an infant sister, Linda.