Memorial services for Roger Soper, 71, of Fairmont, will be Tuesday at 11 a.m. at the Lakeview Funeral Home in Fairmont. Full Military Honors will be performed by the Martin County VFW Post 1222 and the Lee C. Prentice American Legion Post 36 following the service at the funeral home. Visitation will be one hour prior to the time of service beginning at 10 a.m. at the Lakeview Funeral Home. Roger passed away on Thursday, Feb. 5, 2009, at the VA Hospital in Minneapolis.
Roger E. Soper was born on Feb. 28, 1937, in Armstrong, Iowa, the son of Ben and Edith (Fletcher) Soper. As a young boy, Roger and his parents moved to Ceylon, where Roger attended school and graduated from Ceylon High School.
Following his graduation, Roger enlisted in the United States Army. Following his honorable discharge, Roger returned to Minnesota. Roger made his home in Albert Lea, where he worked for Streater. He later moved to Bricelyn, where he was Street Commissioner for a number of years. Roger then moved to Fairmont, where he was employed at Coast to Coast, helped with maintenance at the Opera House, took care of the Half-way House, and was most recently employed at Wal-Mart as a greeter. 
In his spare time, Roger enjoyed hunting and fishing. He was a avid sports fan making sure to never miss a football or baseball game. Roger cherished time spent with family and friends playing cards. He loved to collect coins, antique toys and eagles. He will be truly missed by those that loved him and called him friend.
Left to cherish his memory is his soul-mate, Wanda McGranahan of Fairmont; children: Donald Soper and his wife, Rhonda of The Colony, Texas, Diane Soper of Blue Earth, Milo McGranahan and wife, Kelly of Frost, David McGranahan and wife, Ann of Fairmont, and Debra Mason and husband, Curly of Granada; grandchildren: Shawn Callahan, Marissa Reeves, Hunter Soper, Trevor Soper, Corey Tipton, and Taylor Tipton; a brother, Darrel Soper and wife, Barb of Albert Lea; sister, Judy Buck of Estherville, Iowa; sister-in-law, Barb Soper of Estherville; as well as many nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends.
In addition to his parents, Roger is preceded in death by two brothers, Harry Soper and Eldon Soper.