Roger Newton

COTTAGE GROVE - Roger Arnold Newton, 92, passed away Friday, Nov. 5, 2021, at home in the care of family and hospice. He was born Oct. 3, 1929, in Madison, to George and Hazel (Hilden) Newton. Part of the Silent Generation, Roger’s early life endured the Great Depression, the fears of World War II, and serving in Japan and the Korean War - all presumed to be faced with courage and determination, owing to hope for a better future and the grit of the Generation itself. Roger grew up in Madison and also spent time with extended family at their farms in Oregon and Mount Horeb. As a teenager, he became interested in mechanics and worked after school at Jack’s Garage on Monona Drive. Upon graduating from Madison East High School in 1947, Roger started working for J.H. Findorff & Sons, trained by his father. On the job, he was intrigued by returning veterans and decided to enlist in the U.S. Army in 1948. In Korea, Roger survived two significant battles, Incheon and the Chosin Reservoir. After his tour was extended one year, he was discharged in 1952 and returned to Findorff as a crane operator. Roger’s construction work spanned four decades and many landmark sites around downtown Madison and the university campus. He retired in 1991 and delighted in sharing many stories about the experience as well as the Findorff family. Roger first met his wife, Agnes Crotty, on a double date and married Feb. 7, 1953. Together they raised five children in rural Cottage Grove. In 1962, Roger was photographed in his boom crane, with his father and young son, for a Wisconsin State Journal Father’s Day feature entitled, “What Does Daddy Do?” Other dads in the feature were a fireman, a butcher, and a physician. For family recreation, weekend outings were made north to the wooded property near Coon Fork Lake. Gatherings with extended family from either side were among the very best times. In the early 70s, Roger volunteered as a leader with the Hope 4-H Club, teaching the basics of electronics. For many years, Roger was an active member of the Cottage Grove Lions Club. In retirement, Roger maintained his hobby and business at home, repairing small engines and alternators. Roger was a voracious reader, interested in history and the influence of political figures. He greatly admired Harry S. Truman. He was an early adopter of evolving personal technology, reconnecting online with Army friends that led to taking trips to be together again. He enjoyed laughter from good comedy across all generations. Roger and Agnes also enjoyed many Findorff retiree and Operating Engineers gatherings, Union Corners neighborhood reunions, taking trips south or west, visiting cousins, seeing neighbors, and times with the grandchildren. Roger was preceded in death by his parents; sister-in-law, Marion Newton; and son-in-law, Michael Kellogg. Roger is survived by his wife; a son, George; daughters, Julie (Dan) Hartung, Mary Newton-Kellogg, Janis (David) Schneider, and Lisa (Dale) Franke; grandchildren, Heather Surana, Courtney Hyzer, Nicole Herfel, Lori Newton, Tom Newton, Melissa Reithmeyer, and Lauren Franke; 12 great-grandchildren; and only sibling and older brother, George. A funeral service will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL AND CREMATION CARE, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, at 11 a.m. on Monday, Nov. 15, 2021. Family and friends who wish to view the service via LIVE STREAM may visit Roger’s obituary page at www.gundersonfh.com and click on the Live Webcast link. Burial will be held at Highland Memory Gardens. Visitation will be held Monday at the funeral home prior to the service, starting at 9 a.m. Per Dane County mandate, wearing a mask is required. Roger greatly appreciated the care and camaraderie provided at the VA clinic in Madison. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations are suggested for the Disabled American Veterans (DAV) Charitable Service Trust (cst.dav.org). Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com. Gunderson East Funeral & Cremation Care 5203 Monona Drive (608) 221-5420