Roger W. Rindels, 71, of Austin, Minn., died Thursday, April 25, 2013, at his home.

Roger Wayne Rindels was born on March 2, 1942, in Greenleafton, Minn., to Chester and Esther (Ruesink) Rindels. Roger was baptized and confirmed in the Greenleafton Reform church in Greenleafton. The church was a very important part of Roger’s life. When he moved to Austin, Roger and Evie joined Our Savior’s Lutheran Church. His religious upbringing was very important to him and he practiced it at all times.

Roger grew up in the Preston area and graduated from Preston High School. He married a high school classmate in 1960 and to the union a daughter “Kathy” was born. She was the light of his life. He was later divorced from this marriage.

Roger had polio when he was 4 years old and spent eight months in Sister Kinney Hospital in the Cities. He never gave up, and with strong determination, he came out of it with just a slight limp.

Roger did many things after he graduated. He worked for Chuck Knies in his store and repaired screens and many things. Chuck also is the person that taught him to golf and he did a fine job of it because Roger was an excellent golfer and received many trophies in his years winning tournaments. Roger bought into a car dealership, and later he started a clothing store in Preston and also repaired shoes in the back of the store. In 1983, Roger moved to Austin where he bought in with his uncle in the Coast to Coast store, which he sold in 1990. Then he sold insurance for Del Freund.

In 1999, his dream came true, he moved back to Preston to be the superintendent and pro of the Preston Golf and Country Club, the golf course where he grew up playing. Roger took great pride in improving the course and building the membership up larger than it had ever been. After about 10 years, he retired and came back to Austin and worked part time at the Austin Country Club mowing greens and doing whatever was needed. In 2012, he was voted employee of the year at the Country Club. He was well liked by everyone that knew him. Golf was one of Roger’s passions and love. He also enjoyed fishing, hunting, camping and anything that would let him be outside. The last few years, Roger and his wife Evie spent the winter months in Arizona so that he could golf and fish all year long.

When Roger moved to Austin in 1983, he met the love of his life, Evelyn (Evie) (Chambers) Miller, and they were married in 1984. He felt she was his best friend and soul mate which he let everyone know. They enjoyed life together to the max!

Roger was preceded in death by his grandparents, aunts and uncles and many close friends due to cancer and other health problems so he is sure to be organizing a big tournament to celebrate his passing up there in the big golf course in the sky.

Roger is survived by his wife, Evie, Austin; daughter, Kathy (Scott) Goergen, Austin; stepdaughters, Brenda (Rick) Hall, Austin, Tiffinie (Heather) Miller, St. Paul, Minn.; step son, Brian (Sarah) Miller, Apopka, Fla.; six grandsons, Ryan Himli, Dustin Riste, Nick Riste, Cody Miller, Brayden Hall and Keagan Miller Sammons; two granddaughters, Breanna (Adam) Kemmerick and Arieanne Miller; five great-grandchildren. Roger loved them all so very much and they loved him. Roger looked up to his parents Chester and Esther Rindelsthem, and worshipped the ground they walked on. He is also survived by his sister, LuAnn (Loren) Rindels, Preston; sisters-in-law, Agnes (John) Heichel, Austin, Judy (Daryl) Champlin, Austin, and Bonnie Nelson, Chanhassen, Minn.; and many cousins, relatives and golf buddies that were like brothers to him.

Roger will be so missed not only by his wife and family but anyone that ever knew him. He was so loved by all. Cancer may have taken his body, but his spirit will live on in the hearts of his family and friends.

Honorary bearers will be Dickie Irish, Bob “Hoogie” Hanson, Phil Kruegel, Roger Schiburski Gary Feine, Doug Glynn and Murph Gartner.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, April 30 at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church with the Rev. Glenn L. Monson officiating. Visitation will be at the church on Tuesday from 9:30 to 11 a.m. Clasen-Jordan Mortuary is in charge of arrangements.

Memorials may be designated to Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, Greenleafton Reform Church, Preston Golf and Country Club or a charity of the donor’s choice.