Roger Ray Elliott

Roger Ray Elliott, 60, of Wausau passed away Friday, Aug. 6 at the Veteran’s Administration facility at King. Roger fought a brave and lengthy battle with ALS (Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis) also called Lou Gehring’s disease.

Roger was born in Jacksonville, FL and was raised working tobacco fields in Pamplico, SC. He spent his career in the U.S. Army serving as a Medic, Instructor, Ward Master, and Drill Sergeant, working at Walter Reed Army Medical Center, Washington D.C., The Academy of Health Sciences in San Antonio, Blanchfield Army Community Hospital, Fort Campbell, KY. While homeschooling the children they had a three-year fieldtrip in Germany while Roger was stationed at Bad Kreuznach working as a Senior NCO Administrator and Trainer. Roger loved the Army. His service continued after death, as he is a tissue donor for a V.A. ALS study in Boston.

Roger retired to Wisconsin, and he greatly treasured his extended Wisconsin family and his adopted state. He remodeled the Martin family homestead farmhouse during his retirement. Roger was a music lover and enjoyed Volksmarching (hiking,) running, and was an avid bicyclist. It was not unusual for him to bike 100 miles in a weekend. He sold some of his beloved L.P. record collection to buy a jogging stroller and a bike trailer to share his passion with his children when they were small. Roger was a member of the Edgar VFW and American Legion Post 10, Wausau.

Roger took advantage of the Car Craft Shop at Fort Sam, Huston, were he learned vehicle maintenance and repair from old retirees who hung out just to teach young soldiers. He had many other hobbies, and he was very fond of the family pets.

Roger is survived by his wife, Roberta Martin Elliott of Wausau; two children, Troy Elliott (friend, Kyri Lea) and Erin Iris Elliott-Stall (Adam) all of Stevens Point; brothers Anthony of Virginia and Jerry (Veronica) of South Carolina. He is further survived by brothers-in-law Fulton (Susan) and Ward of San Diego; Peter of Chicago; Xavier (Mary) and Michael (Janie) all of Edgar and one sister-in-law, Bernadette Martin (Ken Dolphin) of Iowa.
He is further survived by some very special people in his life, his “Aunt” Bobbi Jean Smith; David Blackwell and Cherry Blackwell; and his beloved niece from North Carolina Candace Rose Elliott Brown. He is also survived by many other nieces, nephews, and friends in many parts of the United States.

Roger was preceded in death by a daughter, Ella Jean Elliott; his parents; his parents in-law; and a brother-in-law, Marty Martin.

The family wishes to acknowledge and thank Tia Bonilla for her two years of dedicated service helping Roberta and Roger. Dedicated Staff at King and the caring Hospice Staff of Theda Care at Home were so much appreciated.

A Mass of Christian Burial was held on Friday, August 13, 2021, at Holy Name of Jesus Parish, 1104 S. 9th Avenue, Wausau. Rev. Sam Martin and Rev. Al Sloviak con-celebrated. Internment with military honors was held at St. Patrick’s Cemetery, Halder. Beste Funeral Home assisted the family with arrangements. Online condolences can be directed to the family at www.bestefh.com.