Roger D. Schibursky

Roger D. Schibursky, age 78, of Preston, Minn., passed away at his home on Saturday, February 18, 2023. 

Roger Dean Schibursky was born in Hokah, Minn., on May 7, 1944.  He was the son of Arthur (Art) and Ceona (Becker) Schibursky. He was their pride and joy. He was raised in Preston and during his years at Preston High School he played football. He also played hooky a few times and visited the principal’s office a time or two. On October 2, 1962, Roger began his service in the U.S. Navy where he was stationed aboard the USS Monrovia. He was honorably discharged on September 10, 1964. In 1965, Roger enrolled at Rochester Community College where he played football and threw shot put and discus in track and field.

In 1965, Roger married Gloria Eaker. Together they had three children: Tamara (Tami), Tara and Michael (Mike). They would later divorce. On June 8, 1985, Roger married Mary Growden and gained a son, Lance, and they made their home in Preston, Minn. Throughout the years Roger was employed at the Branding Iron, AFC and retired from Strongwell.

“Big Rog” was also affectionately known as Deuce Dog, Deuce, The Cat, Schubuck, Trapdog, Huey or “Baby Huey” in the Preston parade.

Grandpa Rog and Grandma Mary were big fans of whatever team their grandsons (Chandler, Brady, Sam and Ethan) played on including the John Marshall Rockets basketball and baseball.  They were also devoted to the St. Cloud State Huskies, the Northwoods league and spent four years of Ethan’s college days traveling all over the Midwest to Arizona and Las Vegas to support and watch him play college and summer ball. He was a very proud grandpa to all his grandchildren, but he and E created a special bond that will forever be cherished. 

Dad enjoyed long road trips, often leading them to Vegas for weeks at a time. The Deuce loved Las Vegas and often joked about moving in with Tara indefinitely. He was a jolly spirit, a big kid at heart and truly enjoyed and laughed in life. 

We are all going to miss our football Sundays! He was a true Vikings fan and always texted in our family chat to see if we “all had our horns on.” Dad also loved to dance and sing; he really got down to the song “Celebration” as it was their hit song and a song that spoke volumes of how he lived his life. When singing in the car, he used to say the artist didn’t know the words to the song.

As he would say often, he “was a finely tuned machine” and had many pictures to prove it.  He was the cat with nine lives battling multiple hospitalizations, heart procedures, COVID, a ventilator… we were blessed with another year, but he was on 100% oxygen and getting tired.

We are so grateful to have so many precious memories and videos that will keep us laughing until the end of our time.  His exuberant personality will live on in all of the lives that he touched. 

He will be missed by his devoted wife of 38 years, Mary; his daughters Tami (Al) Boysen of Rochester and Tara Ibarra of Las Vegas, Nev., his son Mike (Jess) Schibursky of Preston; grandsons Chandler Wilson, Ethan (Big E) Ibarra, Braden (Brady) and Samuel (Sambo) Boysen and granddaughters Alyssa and Ashtyn Schibursky as well as countless friends. 

He was preceded in death by his parents and stepson Lance Growden, and his furry friends, Sally, Alamo Bud, Sadie and cat Snoopy. 

Private services with Military Honors will be Friday, March 24, 2023, at Preston Veterans Cemetery.

As per Big Rog’s wishes, we will be having a Celebration of Life/79th Birthday Party at the Preston Golf and Country Club on Sunday, May 7, 2023, from 12-5 p.m. He always said “everyone already knew he was an angel.” He didn’t want a church service, but a party at the golf course, where he was a member for years and the place where Mary and Roger had their wedding reception and dance.