Roger Wendell Holsten, age 88, of North Platte, NE, died Wednesday, March 2, 2016, at Great Plains Health in North Platte.

Roger was born June 16, 1927, at Norman, NE, to Swan August and Violet Esther Estergaard Holsten and in later years gained a stepfather, Arthur Bramble. He grew up and attended school in Hastings, NE and Cambridge, NE then joined the U.S. Navy. Roger served in active duty from 1944 to 1946 and was in the Navy Reserves until 1951.

Roger owned a bar in Cambridge for a short time before he started his career as a drywall contractor. By the early 1950’s, Gene’s Drywall was started by Roger, his brother, Stanley, and Gene Wolf, and they worked in Omaha, Denver and North Platte. During this time Roger also invented a drywall taping gun which he patent and later sold. It was and still is used by many drywallers.

On September 23, 1955, Roger married Barbara Ann Cox in Omaha. They lived in Omaha for 6 years before moving to Denver for a year then settling in North Platte. They were married for over 42 years when Barbara passed away in 1997.

Roger enjoyed playing pool and Bingo and getting hugs from anyone. He also liked his special treatment from the Assisted Living gals at Premier Estates. Roger was a great husband, dad, grandpa and uncle, he was loved by all.

He is survived by his children, Michael Holsten (Phyllis Smith) and Kimberly Whitson, of North Platte and Bobette Morris (Bill Johnson), of Panama City, FL; three grandchildren, Leah (Roger) Stroud, Chase (Jenna) Whitson and Joey Smith; four great-grandchildren, Gage, Daejah, Kenna and Aidan; his sister, Marjorie Troubaugh, of North Platte; brother, Stanley (Helen) Holsten, of Grand Island, NE; and several nieces, nephews and other family.

Along with is wife, Barbara, Roger was preceded in death by their daughter, Sherri Holsten; his parents, Swan Holsten and Violet Holsten Bramble; stepfather, Arthur Bramble; and son-in-law, Woody Whitson.

Cremation was chosen. Graveside Memorial Service with military honors will be 2 p.m. Friday, April 8, 2016, in Fort McPherson National Cemetery. The memorial book may be signed at odeanchapel.com or from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday, April 7th at Odean Colonial Chapel at C & Sycamore which is in charge of arrangements. Memorials are suggested to Premier Estates Assisted Living.