Roger Blessum:
CLASS OF 1956
Rugby High SchoolClass of 1956
Rugby, ND
St. Marys Cathedral SchoolClass of 1951
Fargo, ND
Roger's Story
Life
I grew up with foster parents in Fargo (Mickelson family) and attended St. Mary's grade school from the 1st through 7th grade. During this time, I went by the name of Roger Alden. My pals were Conrad Hoffman, Kenny Tessier, Don Schultenover (sp) and Mike Zehern. I moved to Rugby, ND in 1951.
In Rugby, I ran around with Donny Peterson (he became my brother-in-law), Lane Bale, Dick Fedje, Bob Hoffart, Reed Keller, Bill Bosley, Lee Ekren, Milton Holm, Danny Bickler and Ronnie Miltenburger. I married my HS sweetheart, Janice Peterson, in Dec. 1956. We have 3 kids and 6 grandchildren, ages 4 years to 25 years.
During HS, in the summertime, I worked at various farms (hauling bales, etc) and during the school year, I worked for Les Johnson at the Santitary grocery store. My hero's while growing up were Don Augustine, Dick & George Razook, and just about everyone else that played basketball for the Panthers on those great team...Expand for more
s.
After leaving HS, I spent over 11 years in U.S. Army with tours of duty in Germany, Paris, various stateside military installations, and finally, Viet Nam. I got out of the service in May, 1968 and settled in MN.
We still get back to Rugby a couple of times a year to visit my Mom and Lee's Bar. I bring friends to Rugby each Oct. for hunting. Lee Ekren is our genial host and guide.
We keep in touch with many HS friends via email & the old fashioned way, telephone, cards and letters. Jan & I have attended most class reunions, and always look forward to them.
I was politically active in Bloomington, MN. I served on various city commissions and 12 years as a city councilman. Our council initiated the development process for what was to become the Mall of America.
We have wonderful memories of growing up in the Geographical Center of North America. Rugby isn't the same town we grew up in, but the people are still great.
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