Rodger N. Smalley, age 80, of Wells, died on Sunday, Nov. 12, 2006, at his home in Wells following a long illness. Memorial services will be at 11 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 16, at the United Methodist Church in Wells. The Rev. Art Keith will officiate. Visitation will be Wednesday from 7 to 9 p.m. at Bruss-Heitner Funeral Home in Wells and one hour prior to the service at the church on Thursday.

Rodger Newton Smalley was born in Detroit Lakes, on Oct. 16, 1926, to Louis A. and Evelyn (Bartosh) Smalley. He graduated from Kasson High School and worked in the hotel business for several years before attending Mankato State where he received his bachelor of science degree in elementary education. In 1954 he moved to Wells where he taught for 35 years. On June 21, 1955 he married Mary Youel in Mankato.

He was an active member of the Wells United Methodist Church. He served on the Administrative Board and many committees, taught Sunday school and was Sunday school superintendent for several years. He enjoyed singing in the church choir and did so most of his life. He initiated the Tape Ministry program of recording the Sunday morning services on cassette and taking the tape to shut-ins. He also recorded the funeral/memorial services for families.

Rodger was a member of the Wells Education Association and served as its vice president, president and treasurer. He was also involved in the community. Some of his activities included the Wells Meals on Wheels, Lions Club, HRA Committee, serving as its vice president and the Wells Area Food Shelf. In 1996 he was honored to serve along with his wife Mary as grand marshals of the Kernels Day parade. He was crowned Faribault County Senior Citizen King in 1997.

He is survived by his wife Mary; one son David (Krystina) Smalley of Great Falls, Mont.; two daughters: Karen Smalley of Minneapolis and Julie (Mark) Heimkes of Goodyear, Ariz.; five grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; two brothers; one sister; one brother-in-law; one sister-in-law; and nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, one sister and one sister-in-law.

Memorials are preferred to the United Methodist Church in Wells, the Wells Historical Society or Crossroads Community Hospice in Albert Lea.