Roger Gelhar, 79, of West Bend, passed away Tuesday, July 20, 2010, at Anita’s Garden in Port Washington.

He was born on May 6, 1931, in Dalton, to Herbert and Frances (nee Tobalski) Gelhar. He graduated from Edgar High School in the class of 1949.

On Dec. 16, 1954, Roger was united in marriage to Rita Garbarski. In 1954 they moved to Fort Atkinson where Roger spent 10 years working for Wisconsin Electric. In 1967 he moved to West Bend before moving to California in 1971. West Bend became his home again in 1989. On Dec. 3, 1991, he was united in marriage to Ceil DeRuyter.

Roger owned his own truck and leased on to Diamond Trucking, El Murphy and Roadway Express.

He is survived by five children, Tom (Lynn) Gelhar of Weston, Cyndee Gelhar of West Bend, Mike (Merisol) Gelhar of Rhinelander, Kathie (Craig) Weinand of West Bend and Rocky Gelhar of Green Bay; eight grandchildren, Nicole Cybela, Joslyn and Leah Weinand, Jessica and Stephanie Gelhar, Mandy (Scott) Sadownikow, TJ and Rebecca Belunes; two sisters, Diane (Ken) Cutts of Marshfield and Phyllis Diedrich of Athens; his special love, Ceil DeRuyter of West Bend; other relatives and friends.

Roger was preceded in death by his father, Herbert Gelhar; mother, Frances Callies; daughter, Sherry Belunes; sister, Herlene "Rusty" Granthum and two brothers-in-law, Walter Granthum and David Diedrich.

In accordance with Roger’s wishes a private memorial service will be held by the family.

Myrhum - Patten Funeral & Cremation Service, West Bend, is assisting the family. www.myrhum-patten.com.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff at Anita's Garden for their loving care of Roger.