A proud farmer, a good friend and neighbor

In 2008, Roger Schindler of rural Wilton sent a note to Gundersen Medical Foundation about the provisions of his will. He explained that his decision to make a legacy gift was for one simple reason: “Because I have been helped and I would like to see other[s] helped also.”

Helping others was important to Roger – he was known as a good friend and neighbor in his farming town of Wellington. Born and raised a farmer, Roger took pride in producing high quality crops and beef cattle. Being a successful farmer meant owning good tractors and equipment, which Roger gladly used to assist others with custom harvesting and soil preparation. He was never too busy to pay a visit to an elderly neighbor or help someone in need.

Roger was a bachelor who enjoyed the farming life and being part of a small community where neighbors helped neighbors. He liked to cook, follow his favorite sports teams, and was a faithful member of his Lutheran church. Following the commandment to ‘love our neighbors as ourselves’ was how Roger lived his life.

He was only 72 when he passed away at home on the family farm in October 2013. Not long afterward, Gundersen Medical Foundation learned that the farm is what Roger had gifted in his will – his land, his house, his crops, equipment, and livestock – right down to the hay in the barn, everything given to continue his legacy of caring through the work of the Foundation. This lifelong Good Samaritan is missed by many, but his kindness and generosity will be felt for years to come.