Roger Merlin Oleson

Roger Merlin Oleson (Babe) slipped his earthly bounds on Tuesday April 26th 2022, passing peacefully in his sleep, he was 87 years old. Roger’s life was one full of grand experiences and adventure. Born on a farm in Northern Iowa, he was one of 12 children to parents Roger Wayne Oleson and Blanche Evelyn Escherich. Life took Roger away from his roots when he joined the United States Air Force in October 1952, where he had the great fortune to be sent to Kirknewton Scotland as his first assignment. During his time there he met and married the love of his life Helen McLeod of Edinburgh. They had three daughters - Blanche, Christine and Linette. The family spent their time traveling and learning together, courtesy of the United States Air Force, with assignments in Crete Greece, San Angelo Texas, Darmstadt Germany, Anchorage Alaska and Omaha Nebraska. Roger also served his country when he was called upon with an assignment to Vietnam, leaving his wife and daughters to experience the country life with his family in Iowa, while he was away. After Roger retired from the Air Force in November 1979, he and Helen returned to Alaska to live. He went to work for ARCO Alaska and spent the next 10+ years establishing their lives here in Anchorage, before retiring again. Roger and Helen then stepped into their next adventure together, traveling all around Alaska, including 17 trips down and up the Alcan Highway in their motorhome. They had many wonderful times traveling throughout the Lower 48, stopping along the way to visit family and the many friends they had made over the years. Their travels took them to all 4 corners of this country, sometimes more than once. Roger was an avid bowler, he bowled in many leagues throughout his life. He continued his passion for the sport here in Anchorage and even traveled to Las Vegas numerous times to participate in tournaments. Roger was involved in the Anchorage Junior Bowling helping to shape the talent for the next generation of enthusiasts. When she was little, his daughter Christine was convinced that the bowling pins purposely leaped out of the way of her dad’s incoming ball, so fast and powerful was his roll. Babe’s life was one of kindness and giving, helping those in need if he was able. He was a wonderful husband and lifelong partner to Helen, a great dad to Blanche, Christine and Linette, a great father-in- law to Andy, Greg and Kip, a great grandad to Aaron and Jeremy, and great great-grandad to Alexandria, Senna, Keeva and Aster. He is fiercely loved by his family and will be sorely missed by them, as well as all those who knew him. In lieu of flowers, please send a card or note with your thoughts and memories of Roger (Babe) to Helen Oleson c/o 7901 Sitzmark Circle, Anchorage AK 99507. If you wish you may also make a donation in Roger’s name to one of the many deserving Veteran’s or Military organizations. You may also visit and share a memory at www.legacyalaska.com