Rodger L. Sims
December 14, 1948 ~ June 20, 2016
Rodger Lee Sims, 67, of Fargo, N.D., loving husband, father, and grandfather, passed away after a courageous battle with cancer on Monday, June 20, 2016 surrounded by his family.
Rodger was born on December 14, 1948, in Crookston, M.N., to Pershing and Bernice (Pribula) Sims of Fargo, N.D. He was raised in Wahpeton, N.D., and Enderlin, N.D., and graduated from Enderlin High School in 1966. Later, he graduated from North Dakota State University with a B.S. in Medical Laboratory Technology. Upon graduating, he worked at the University of North Dakota Human Nutrition Research Center in Grand Forks from 1973 – 2006 where he also earned a B.S. in Chemistry.
Rodger married Bonnie (Brooks) Sims on June 14, 1975, and they raised their three sons in Grand Forks, N.D., where they were passionate fans of their sporting and school events. Upon retirement, they moved to Fargo, N.D. in the summer of 2006. Rodger and Bonnie loved simple times. They enjoyed going out for coffee and meeting new people and he would often request peanut butter for his pancakes. They celebrated their 41st wedding anniversary on June 14, 2016, with their children, spouses and grandchildren. Rodger was an avid sports fan, enjoying the Vikings, Twins, the UND Fighting Sioux, and the NDSU Bison. He loved classic cars, motorcycles, long car drives, plain popcorn at the movies, computers, fishing, ice cream and science.
Rodger will be dearly missed by his wife, Bonnie, of Fargo, N.D.; sons, Bryan (Paige) Sims, Houston, T.X., Chris (Jessica) Sims, West Fargo, N.D., and Jonathan (Courtney) Sims, Vandenberg AFB, C.A.; lovely granddaughters, Rhianna, Emmalyn and a grandchild due in September; his mother, Bernice Sims, Fargo, N.D.; brothers, Philip Sims, Fargo, N.D., Ken (Vickie) Sims, Moorhead, M.N., Dan (Shari) Sims, Elk River, M.N.; sisters, Marilyn (Jim) Kram, Fargo, N.D., Patricia (Allen) Kukert, Moorhead, M.N., Janet (John) Klocke, Fargo, N.D., Lori (Vern) Dosmann, Sarasota, F.L., and Lynae (Mike) Sims, Moorhead, M.N. and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
He was preceded in death by his father, Pershing Sims.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to Rodger Sims Memorial Fund at Boulger Funeral Home, Fargo. Special thanks to Hospice Red River Valley, Fr. James Meyer, Fr. Andrew Jasinski and Fr. Duane Pribula.
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Rodger- a gentle soul and a man of deep faith. His eyes were a mirror to his deep soul and loving heart. God welcomed you! Love you cuz, Suzanne
Dear Bonnie, and Family,
We were saddened to hear of Rodgers passing.
We remember when you guys bought our house by UND. We had no idea who was coming to see it, and we had such a laugh when it was Jim’s cousin! Lots of fun times, and visits in those years.
The time passes too quickly, and life gets busy. Even though we didn’t get to see each other as often as we would have liked, we thought about Rodger, and family often.
Keep the wonderful memories tucked close to your hearts. Rodger will me missed by many. He was a wonderful guy!
God Bless his memory,
Jim and Jane Pribula
I will always be there for you and your family. This isn’t easy but I know you and your family know how to rely on each other and also us. Please let Meaghan and I know if there is anything you need or want us to do. Prayers and energy being sent your way.
I am so sorry for your loss. Your family is in my prayers. May your memories bring you peace and comfort.
Deepest condolences, Sims family.
Roger was a good man- celebrate his life and reflect on the man he was. Rest in peace, Roger.
Our hearts go out to your family during this difficult time. We hope you find peace and find strength by leaning on each other. The 532nd Work Horse Family would like to extend our deepest condolences.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you Bonnie and your family. Jim and I were just talking about Roger yesterday and saying what a gentle soul he is. We will remember some of the good times we had.
Auntie Bernice and all my cousins: Our heartfelt sympathies on the passing of Rodger. Know that his pain has ended, and he will live eternally with our Heavenly Father. We send hugs to each of you and strength to press on. Love you all,
Cousin Merridee, Michael & Gianna
Roger we really enjoyed the friendship with you and Bonnie. You will be greatly missed, rest in peace. Karen & will speaker
Our deepest sympathy in this sad time. Rejoice that Rodger is celebrating with our ancestors in a much better place. My Mom LaVerne wanted to convey her heartfelt compassion for your whole family. David & Becky Pribula, children Alex, Alyssa, Grant.
The Enderlin High School Class of 66 was hoping for a rally so that Rodger could attend our 50th class reunion this weekend. We will surely remember Rodger as we share stories of those days. The picture that Rodger submitted for our Memory Book makes me smile! “Thumbs up” was his message and a good one for all.
Thinking of you as you navigate life without Rodger.
Mary P. MARTI N Bryngelson, classmate and fellow catechism student
Dear Sims Family,
My sincere sympathy to all of you at Roger’s passing. I had him in my prayers these last few weeks and know that he fought a courageous battle. I am a friend of Janet’s from Enderlin/Alice and have many fond memories of your family from those days. I will continue to lift your family up in prayer for healing to broken hearts.
I am so sorry for your loss. Rest assured Rodger is in our Almighty father, Jehovah’s memory. He promises in Isaiah 33:24 that the day will come when “no one will be sick”. The Bible also tells us about an upcoming resurrection where all our loved ones sleeping in death will have the opportunity to live in a peaceful earth just like he intended from the beginning (John 5:28&29). These are great words of comfort and hope towards the future I will include your family in my prayers.
So sorry about loss. What a friendly man he was. But at the end I could see the pain in him but now he’s in Peace now. Prayers for you and your family. If you need anything Bonnie, we’re upstairs. Rest in peace Rodger.
Deepest sympathy to the Sims family during this time of sorrow. So sorry for your loss. Rodger was a wonderful person. May he rest in peace.
We areso very sorry for your loss. We did not have the pleasure of knowing Rodger but We have heard wonderful stories from Marilyn Kram. You are all in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
Jeff and Robin Johnson
Westminster, colorado
Dear Bonnie,
I was so sorry to read about Rodgers death I know all too well what you are going through and my heart breaks for you and your family. An old Irish saying “Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, love leaves a memory no one can steal.” Not sure if you remember me. my prayers are with you and yours
Phyllis Brooks Grand Forks,N>D>
We are so sorry for loss. Roger was a kind, special guy and always a joy to visit with. He has left us far to soon. Roger is at peace now and in good hands. Our heartfelt sympathy goes out (Jon you are special) to all of the family.
Rodger was a gentle soul, a caring co-worker, and an excellent man of science. I enjoyed our years working together at the Human Nutrition Research Center. Rodger cared about the quality of his analytical results and in work where precision and accuracy mattered, he could always be counted on as the one who could get the most reliable measurements possible. His thoughtful dedication to his work was matched by his caring for his friends at work. My heart goes out to Bonnie, Bryan, Chris, and Jonathan and all the rest of his loving family.
He will be missed.
Nick Ralston
From my earliest memories of Roger, he always had a way of making me feel like I was one of his family. Whether it was playing with electric trains and his many model cars when we were kids, or his family and home when we were adults, Roger has always been generous with his time and his friendship.
Even though life moved Jane & I far away Bonnie, please know that you & Roger and the boys have always been near to our hearts. Our deepest sympathies and condolences to you all.
I am so sorry to hear about Rodger’s passing.We send our deepest sympathy. Rodger was such a kind man. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Linda & Skip
Dear Bonnie & Family, Were so sorry you have lost Roger; far too early I’m sure for you and your whole family. You’ve been in our prayers for a while now and we will be keeping you there for quite a while longer. Kevin, Jane and us found out a little too late to get flowers but will find the path to his memorial and honor him in that way. Sherry and I wish you and your children Gods peace in the difficult days to come and will pray for the day you can think of Roger and feel more warmth than pain.
May God be with you all,
Wes & Sherry Largis
Many childhood memories of Roger and his parents and brothers and sisters in Wahpeton. Memories of fun and closeness of family values. We will always hold you in our heart Roger, and our thoughts and prayers are with Bonnie and all the extended Sims family.
To the entire Sims family,
I’m so sorry to hear about your loss. I was fortunate to have met Rodger while going to school with his three sons – Bryan, Chris, and Jon. I’ve always admired Rodger’s quiet strength and the support that he provided his family. Please know that you are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Bonnie, Bryan, Jon, Chris and the entire Sims Family,
Our deepest sympathies on the loss of a wonderful man. Rodger was always a class act. One of the kindest people I have ever had the pleasure to meet. Not a mean bone in Rodger’s body. If we had more Rodger’s in this world it would be a much better place. I am so sorry, beyond words sad. Rest in Peace Rodger.
Travis