Verne Roger Wilkinson, aged 72, passed away at his home Jan. 13, 2022 in Racine, MN.
Roger, as he was always known, was born in Cadillac, MI on Jan. 27, 1949 to Vern and Eva (DeJean) Wilkinson. He graduated from Cadillac Senior High in 1967. In high school he was reknowned for playing basketball.
He was a retired maintenance worker for a condominium complex in Rochester, MN. He also played drums for numerous bands in the Rochester, MN area. His hobby was putting large model boats together.
He is survived by his two brothers, Michael (Dalene) Wilkinson of Cadillac, MI and Thomas (Rebecca Fletcher) Wilkinson of Camano Island, WA; and also nephews and a niece. He was preceded in death by his parents and grandparents.
Cremation has taken place and no services are scheduled at this time.
Roger was a bandmate of mine in The American Flyer Band for a dozen or so years and was the first drummer for the Bluff Brothers Band. He was also a very good friend for years after his health no longer allowed him to perform. I’ll miss him.
RIP Roger. You brightened any stage you were on!
I can imagine all the musicians you played with,
who are already there, grinning as you make St. Peter laugh !!
So many stories with Roger, we played together in American Flyer and South Bound Country, RIP my old friend!
Great Memories from playing in American Flyer Band with Roger as the drummer A funny guy with a quick wit Always lit up the stage with his humor Excellent Musician Rest In Peace Roger Wilkinson You will be Truly Missed
Dear Roger. Quite. Soft spoken. Shy. A tinker of toys. Supportive and fun. Thank you for being you. I always felt safe with you and loved hearing and watching you play in the band. May the joys and peace of the afterlife surround you. Miss you.
I adored Roger. He was a kind and loving person who made me laugh. I remember Bluff Brothers and American Flyer band.
I know he’s up in heaven with Larry jamming all day.
RIP Roger
Roger was one of the best of all of my friends.
He was always kind soft spoken and would be there for me or anyone that needed anything.
He will be missed.
Rest in peace, Roger. You will be missed by everyone who met you, especially those who heard you on the drums. I remember you playing with “American Flyer.” Enjoy playing in Heaven with all the other great musicians.
Roger Dodger, I can remember so many times that you had Deb and I in tears listening to your somewhat “deadpan” delivery of joke after joke or incident after incident of your musical adventures at different venues. You were one of my favorite people and always will be. Thank you for the good times you made for so many people. Enjoy playing in the heavenly band…you’ll be very missed by all who knew you!
I’m not sure a lot of people knew that Roger was a really good basketball player. He and I played noon bball at the Y for many years. He had an unstoppable 3 point shot from the base line. I then found out that he was a kickass drummer as well!