Roger Joseph Downing

Roger Joseph Downing, 56, rural Lake Mills, passed away Tuesday, Oct. 16, 2018 at his home. A memorial visitation for Roger will be held Friday, Oct. 19, from 5-7 p.m. at Mittelstadt Funeral Home, Lake Mills. Military Honors will be conducted at 7 p.m. Friday at Mittelstadt’s by the Louis/Tveite Post #317 from Emmons, Minn. A celebration of his life and inurnment will be held at a later date.
Roger Joseph Downing was born July 22, 1962 in Charles City, to parents, James and Carol (Nehls) Downing. He graduated from high school in Charles City and went on to attend technical school. After his schooling, Roger enlisted in the U.S. Navy and was honorably discharged.
On Sept. 9, 1989 Roger married Laurie Grunhovd at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Charles City.
Roger had worked as a mechanic most of his life, having been employed by Norsemen Trucking, Rognes Brothers Excavating, and most recently for the Worth County Secondary Road Department.
He never met a stranger, remembered everyone’s name, and was never shy about carrying on a conversation. Roger enjoyed his motorcycle, hunting for deer and pheasants, and spending a weekend watching football on TV.
He is survived by his wife, Laurie Downing, Lake Mills; three sisters: Janet (Delbert) Pratt, Nashua; Cathy (Bob) Nordman, Texas; and Pauline (Bill) Bravener, Frederika; three brothers: Bill (Mary) Downing and Steve (Deb) Downing, all of Charles City; and Gary (Pam) Downing, Nashua; many nieces, nephews and cousins; and his dogs, Duke and Daisy.
Roger was preceded in death by his parents, James and Carol Downing.