Roger Frank Hvezda

Roger Frank Hvezda

10.31.57 – 03.14.26

Roger was born October 31, 1957, the third of six children born to Joseph and Mary (Pospisil) Hvezda. He had many fond memories of his childhood on the family farm on the west side of Lake Reno. Roger enjoyed hunting, fishing, carp shooting, riding motorcycle, and snowmobiling. He and his brothers were always out duck hunting on Mud Lake and reloading shells. At a very young age, he started inventing. Jalopies made from scrap metal and recycled lumber found on the farm, motorbikes, dune buggies were modified, and a two-seater track machine he called the Arctic Car.

He attended a single-room country school until the school closed (grade 6) and continued his education in Glenwood, graduating with the Class of 1976. He went on to earn an Associate Degree in tool and die and mold making from Alexandria Technical College.

He began his 46-year career at Alexandria Extrusion Company (now Alexandria Industries) where he worked as a tooling designer and made many lifelong friends. It was at Alex Extrusion that Roger met Al Schlosser. Al and Roger quickly became friends and shared a love for flying. Roger got his pilot’s license and owned a few airplanes over the years. He also put together an ultra-light hang-glider which he called the Weedhopper.

On April 9, 1983, he married Debbie Tomford. They built their home in rural Alexandria. Some of his best times were spent out in his hobby shop, designing and building (mostly) useful things. He also enjoyed riding the trails through the woods on their property, target shooting and visiting family and friends. When his MS limited his mobility, he pivoted and developed an interest in photography and bird watching. He became the family historian by researching family history, documenting stories of the old days, keeping records, and archiving old photos.

Roger was a kind, humble man who battled complications of MS without losing his sense of humor and joy in life. He was an inspiration to all.

Roger is survived by his wife of nearly 43 years, Debbie; three brothers, Steven (Kathy Duvall) of Lowry, Lawrence (Jeanne) of Lowry, and Dale (Cheryl) of Alexandria, his sister Jolene Doherty (Shawn) of Brandon, sister-in-law Fawn Geyen of Monticello, brothers-in-law Vernon (Kay) of Warroad, Lonnie (Shelley) of Miltona, and Dennis (Jill) of Alexandria, along with many nieces, nephews, other family and friends.

Waiting for him in Heaven are his parents, Joseph and Mary, his brother, Keith, brother-in-law, David, and Debbie’s parents, Jerald and Lois Tomford.

Visitation will be held on Friday, March 20, 2026, 10:00 - 11:00 AM at St. John Nepomuk Catholic Church with a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 AM at the church. Burial will be at the church cemetery.