Walter Rodger Chase, age 90, of Grand Rapids, MN, passed away Sunday, October 6, 2024 at The Emeralds Nursing Home on Hospice.

Rodger was born to Walter and Alice Chase on April 9, 1934. He was a home birth in Toivola, MN. Rodger graduated from Duluth Central High School in 1953.

Rodger went into the Navy Reserves in 1954 then went on active duty for two years and got an honorable discharge in 1960. He then went to UMD for three and a half years. While attending college he worked at a steel plant until he graduated in 1963. Roger married Carol Jean Chase on June 25, 1960 at St. Peter's Lutheran Church in Canyon, MN. Rodger found a job in Grand Rapids, MN. In 1963 he got a job with the Department of Corrections until his retirement in 1999. Rodger enjoyed golfing, bowling, curling and his lutefisk. He volunteered at the Second Harvest Food Bank and Habitat for Humanity.

Rodger is preceded in death by his parents, Walter and Alice Chase; baby sister, Patricia Chase; sons, Steven Chase and Richard Chase; brothers, Dennis Chase and Robert Chase; aunt, Jean Christopherson; brother-in-law, David Smith; sisters-in-law, Lois Berg, Judy Berg, and Sandy Chase.

Rodger is survived by his wife, Carol Chase of 64 years; daughter, Diane Chase; sister, Elizabeth (Craig) Birdseye; brothers, Jim (Teresa) Chase, Greg (Carlene) Chase; sister-in-law, Kathy Smith; many nieces and nephews; great nieces and nephews; and four great-great- nieces; and one great-great-nephew.

A visitation will be held Saturday, October 19, 2024 at 10 AM at Zion at Zion Lutheran Church in Grand Rapids, MN, with a funeral service to follow at 11 AM. Sharon Lewis will be officiating. Lunch following the service. Full Military honors will be rendered following the funeral service.

Burial will be held at Northland Cemetery in Canyon, MN. Memorials to be made out to Second Harvest Northland, Zion Lutheran Church or camp Hiawatha.