Roger D. Mestad

Roger D. Mestad, 87, a longtime rural Stewartville, MN resident, passed away peacefully on Monday (October 19, 2026) of natural causes, at his home.

Roger David Mestad was born on May 24, 1939 in Hayfield, MN to Walter and Lillian (Jensen) Mestad. He grew up on the family farm near Oslo, MN, attended country school and Hayfield schools, graduating from Hayfield HS in 1957. He worked at the Vernon Creamery in Oslo before and after his graduation. In 1959 he enlisted in the US Army and served 2 years as a heavy equipment operator, including duty stateside and in Aschaffenburg, Germany. After his discharge he returned to SE Minnesota and was employed at Crenlo, Inc. in Rochester. Roger was married on May 20, 1967 in Austin, MN to Barbara A. Fenske. Following their marriage the couple lived in Rochester before moving in 1969 to their acreage in Rock Dell Township, where they raised their children and have continued to make their home. Roger was employed at Crenlo for 40 years as a welder and machinist. After retirement he joined the Stewartville Grain Elevator, working 12 years as a truck driver. Barbara was a homemaker and was employed for 30 years as a medical secretary at Mayo Clinic - Rochester.

Roger was a longtime member of Gloria Dei Lutheran Church in Rochester and served as an usher for a number of years. He loved conversing with friends and family and was always making new friends wherever he went. His interests were centered around farming and agriculture. Roger loved John Deere tractors, restoring antique gas engines, hobby farming, animals of all kinds (especially dogs and horses), working on projects in his garage, doing odd jobs and helping others with their projects. He loved time spent with family, especially his grandchildren. 

Roger is survived by his devoted wife of 59 years, Barb; his daughter, Charla Aliperto of Woodbury, MN; son, Mark (Amy) Mestad of Woodbury, MN; grandchildren, Maria Aliperto (Brian Perry) of Sarasota, FL; Kara Aliperto (Matt Lexcen) of Beaverton, OR; and Henry Mestad; sisters, Virginia Iverson of Kasson, MN, and Janet Criste of Deale, MD; brother, Mike (Cheryl) Mestad of Hayfield, MN; many nieces and nephews and extended family and his beloved dog, Teddy. He was preceded in death by his parents; son-in-law, Tom Aliperto; and brothers-in-law, Javes Iverson and Joe Criste.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday (October 31, 2026) at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church with Rev. David Berg officiating. A time of visitation for family and friends will be held one hour prior to the service at the church. Burial and a committal service with military honors will take place at the Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery in Preston, MN at a later date. Roger's family suggest memorials to Gloria Dei Lutheran Church or the charity of the donor's choice. Arrangements are with Griffin- Gray Funeral Home in Stewartville.

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