Rodger D. Biggs Obituary

Rodger D. Biggs, 72 of Ellendale, ND died June 10, 2020 at Avera St. Luke's Hospital, Aberdeen, SD. Visitation will be 12-2pm and funeral following at 2pm both on Friday, June 19 at First Assembly of God Church, 1424 24th Ave NW, Aberdeen, SD with Pastor Jon Droege officiating. Burial is at the ND Veterans Cemetery, Mandan, ND. Arrangements by Hoven Funeral Chapel, Ellendale. Rodger D. Biggs, 72, of Ellendale, ND passed away June 10, 2020 at Avera St. Luke's Hospital, Aberdeen, SD. Rodger was born August 29, 1947 in Hankinson, ND to George and Stella (Brackin) Biggs.

Due to premature birth, he was immediately connected directly to a nun for a blood transfusion; thus, he boasted of having "holy blood" running through his veins. As a boy, Rodger loved to hunt with his beloved dog, Brownie. He also developed an interest in electronics which led to his lifetime love of Morse Code and amateur radio. Rodger attended and graduated from St. Francis Academy in Hankinson, after which he joined the Navy. As a sailor, he worked in communications using his coding skills as a profession.

While stationed in Puerto Rico, he planned to become a "lifer". However, life doesn't always go as planned and in 1968 he was honorably discharged after he developed diabetes.Rodger attended Moorhead State University where he received his Bachelor's degree in communications. Afterwards, he moved to Ellendale, ND where he was hired as the managing editor of the Dickey County Leader. During that time, he met his future wife, Connie Olson, on a blind date. They fell in love and were married on September 11, 1976.

Rodger and Connie welcomed their "favorite older daughter", Mary, in 1979 and "favorite younger daughter", Helen, in 1984. Rodger's wife and children were his highest priority and were dearly loved. Desiring freedom from "the deadline", Rodger put away his typewriter circa 1987 to start his insurance and securities business, Financial Alternatives. In 2008, he switched gears yet again to work for Wyndham in Aberdeen, SD. He retired in 2016. In addition to his family, Rodger loved his dogs and amateur radio.

Throughout his married life, he was the proud owner of seven miniature Schnauzers: Muggins, Pepper, Jiggs, Jazz, Aria, Chance, and Ranger. Rodger had a beautiful amateur radio station in his home. He collected Morse keys and built a variety of antennae throughout the years; his latest had several hundred feet of personally made radials buried in the ground, which allowed him to talk to people all over the world. Rodger is survived by his wife of almost 44 years, Connie Biggs; children: Mary (Michael) Luna, Minneapolis, MN, Helen (Shaine) Anderson, Aberdeen, SD; brothers: George Biggs, Paul Biggs; and two granddaughters: Gabrielle and Nadia Anderson.