Roger Ernest Vorderstrasse

Roger Ernest Vorderstrasse passed away on April 25th, 2025 at home with his daughters by his side.

Roger was born on October 27, 1931 in Chester Nebraska. His family left Nebraska during the Dust Bowl, prompted by an advertisement for the Willamette Valley that his mother saw in Sunset magazine. After a brief detour to Idaho, the family settled in Albany Oregon in 1937. Roger attended Oregon State College, earning a B.S. in 1953 and an M.S. in 1955 in the field of Fish and Game Management. He served in the US Army and then took a position with the US Fish and Wildlife Service where he remained until his retirement in 1994. 

Roger met his future wife Karen on a blind date set up by his cousin Pauline. The two married in 1964 and eventually settled in southwest Portland where they raised two daughters, Beth and Kay. The family enjoyed many adventures, including annual camping trips to the San Juan Islands, day trips to “the Hill”, road trips to Yellowstone and North Dakota, clam-digging, fishing, and bird-watching. Roger was an Eagle Scout and jack of all trades. There was almost nothing that he couldn’t build or fix, and often the tools of his trade involved electrical tape or bits taken from inner tubes that he found on the side of the road (“that may come in handy later”). He was famous for helping family and friends with ’30 minute' projects that always took much longer than expected, but were always creatively designed (even if possibly not up to code).

Roger’s career was spent with the US Fish and Wildlife Service. Starting as a field biologist, he worked on wildlife refuges and at the Portland field office, on projects to mitigate adverse impacts and enhance fish and wildlife. He eventually took a position as an Assistant Field Supervisor, a title he held for over 20 years. He enjoyed working with many dedicated and fabulous people, and is remembered as being a mentor, friend, and for contributing to a humorous and harmonious work environment.

After retirement Roger enjoyed gardening, taking classes at the Senior Studies Institute, traveling, and making sure that Starbucks stayed in business. He and Karen also enjoyed hunting for treasures at garage sales and Harbor Freight - he truly believed you could never have too many tools. 

Roger was preceded in death by his beloved wife Karen and is survived by his daughters Beth(Eric) and Kay, granddaughters Annika and Katrina, as well as nieces Kathy (Larry) and Wanda, nephew Mike (Julie), and their families. He was also preceded in death by his sister Louise and brother-in-law Dave, and his brother Kasper.

Roger’s memorial service will be held on Saturday, June 7th at 1 PM at St. Luke Lutheran Church (4595 SW California St, Portland, OR 97219), where he and Karen were members for decades.  For those desiring to make a memorial contribution, the family suggests donations to the Alzheimer’s Association, your local food bank, Habitat for Humanity, or another organization that serves those in need.