Roger A. Frese, age 79, of St. Henry, Ohio, passed away unexpectedly at his home on Wednesday, July 29, 2026, at 1:30 am. He was born on May 26, 1947, in Lima to the late Alvin and Laura (Hull) Frese. On June 16, 1973 he married Janet L. (Penhorwood) Frese and she survives at the residence in St. Henry, They were together for 53 wonderful years.

Roger is survived by his loving wife; his son, Shawn (Heather) Frese, Knoxville, Tennessee; his daughter, Christy “Annette” (Jason) Timmerman, Rockford; and a brother, Donald (Kim) Frese, Florida. He was a proud grandfather to seven grandchildren: Taylor, Trey, Jillian, Payton, Carter, Chase, and JD. Roger cherished his family and found great joy in spending time with them.

He was also preceded in death by his parents; his brothers, Carl Frese and Freddy Frese; and his in-laws, Erwin and Ruth Penhorwood.

Roger was a 1965 graduate of Lima Bath High School where he stood out as an athlete in Football, Basketball and Golf. After graduation he received his Batchlors degree in education from Defiance college in Defiance, Ohio. He proudly serviced his country in the United States Airforce during the Vietnam era for six years where he served as a para-rescue.

Roger dedicated his life to education, beginning his teaching career at Parkway High School in Rockford, where he spent 13 years teaching chemistry and physics. During his time at Parkway, he also coached football and baseball, leaving a lasting impression on both his students and the young athletes he mentored. He later continued his teaching career at Tri-Village Schools in New Madison, Ohio, where he taught chemistry and physics for many years. In addition to the classroom, Roger served as the boys' varsity golf coach, inspiring generations of students through his passion for science, his patience, and his commitment to learning. Whether teaching, coaching, or mentoring, Roger encouraged hard work, integrity, teamwork, and personal growth in all those whose lives he touched.

Outside of the classroom, Roger devoted much of his life to the Boy Scouts of America and the Order of the Arrow. Having been involved in Scouting since his youth, he spent countless years mentoring young people and helping many Scouts achieve the rank of Eagle Scout. His dedication to service and leadership left a lasting impact on the lives of those he guided.

Family and friends are invited to pay their respects during visitation at Cisco Funeral Home in Celina from 2:00 pm – 7:00 pm Tuesday, August 4, 2026.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, August 5, 2026, at Cisco Funeral Home in Celina, with Pastor Chris Farmer officiating, where the family receive friends one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. The service will begin with the Broken Arrow Ceremony, presented by the Order of the Arrow, Scouting America's National Honor Society, in recognition of Roger's lifelong dedication to Scouting and its ideals.

Burial will follow at Mercer Memory Gardens in Celina where military honors will be conducted by Celina VFW Post #5713 and Celina American Legion Post #210.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Boy Scouts of America. Flowers may also be sent to Cisco Funeral Home.

Roger will be remembered for his dedication to education, his lifelong commitment to Scouting, and the kindness, wisdom, and encouragement he shared with everyone whose lives he touched. His legacy will continue through his family, former students, Scouts, and friends, who will forever cherish his memory.

Cisco Funeral Homes of Celina and St. Marys are honored to care for Roger and his family. To share condolences, memories, or expressions of sympathy, please visit www.ciscofuneralhome.com or the Cisco Funeral Home Facebook page.