Roger Peterson

Roger E. Peterson, 82, of Granger, Indiana, formerly of Findlay, Ohio, passed away at his home on December 29, 2025, after a long struggle with COPD. He had been on hospice care for the past year. The family is deeply grateful to Caring Cove Hospice and to the nurses and staff who cared for him with such kindness and compassion.

In accordance with Roger’s wishes, there will be no public visitation, and he was cremated. A portion of his ashes will be buried alongside his parents in Richardton, North Dakota, with the remainder spread on the family farm north of Richardton. A celebration of life for family and friends will be held at a later date in Granger.

Roger was born on November 22, 1943, in Beulah, North Dakota, the son of Harold R. and Caroline (Bentz) Peterson. He married Gwynne Brigl on April 27, 1969, and she survives. They shared 57 ½ years of marriage.

He is also survived by his children: Stephanie (Jim) Morris of Granger, Indiana; Lana (Jon) Frank of Denver, Colorado; Sherri Peterson of Portland, Oregon; R.J. Peterson of Findlay, Ohio; Shelli Parks of Findlay, Ohio; and Jack (Heidi) Venable of Carmichael, California. His grandchildren include Alyssa Morris of Arlington, Virginia; James (Miranda) Morris of Glenwood Springs, Colorado; Caroline Morris and Lillian Morris of Granger, Indiana; Alex Frank and Adam Frank of Denver, Colorado; Kieran Groh of Portland, Oregon; and Madeline Groh of Maui, Hawaii.  His sister Bernice "Bee" Reinthaler of Clinton, Il. and a brother Harold "Hal" Peterson and sister-in-law Sheila Peterson of Bismark, North Dakota.

Roger graduated from Bismarck High School in 1961 and earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the University of North Dakota in 1965. He began his career at Honeywell in Minnesota, working on defense-related projects, and later held senior executive leadership roles at North American Life. He went on to enjoy a long and successful career in the insurance industry, including work with Blue Cross Blue Shield, where he met Gwynne. In 1975, he moved to Troy, Michigan, to work with Bremar Insurance Agency.

In 1978, Roger and his family settled in Findlay, Ohio, where he founded Benefit Plans Risk Management, building the business from the ground up. After an initial retirement, he pursued another entrepreneurial venture by opening Wooley Bulley’s, a local restaurant and bar, which he later sold in 1994.

Roger cherished his time on Lake Erie aboard the family cabin cruiser, enjoying boating and fishing. He loved to travel and was a devoted Ohio State Buckeyes fan, rarely missing an opportunity to cheer them on. An avid hunter, he especially looked forward to his annual October pheasant hunting trips to North Dakota.

Above all, Roger will be remembered for his entrepreneurial spirit, sense of adventure, humor, and charismatic, outgoing personality. He was often the center of attention and delighted in making others laugh. He also leaves behind his loyal companion, Cody, the family dog, who remained by his side during his final months.

Elkhart Cremation Services has been entrusted with his care. 

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