Roger was one of the Pioneers of television with KUMV in western ND and eastern MT. Seemed like when no one else could make it out to the station because of blizzards, etc., Roger was always there, doing everything to keep KUMV on the air.
My condolences to the family.
Roger C. Rien
March 25, 1926 – January 24, 2012
Graveside services will be at 1:00 p.m. Thursday, January 26, 2012 at the Paynesville Cemetery, Paynesville with military honors for Roger C. Rien, age 85 of Paynesville who passed away on Tuesday, January 24, 2012 at the Koronis Manor in Paynesville. Reverend Dennis Wright will officiate.
Arrangements were made by the Daniel-Anderson Funeral Home, Paynesville.
Roger was born to Sam and Olivia (Burr) Rien on March 25, 1926 and raised in Lemmon, South Dakota. He graduated from Lemmon High School and entered the U.S. Army in 1945. Roger served at Fort Riley, Kansas and Camp Adair, Oregon and overseas on the islands of Okinawa and Ie Shima, Japan. He earned the Asiatic-Pacific Theater Ribbon, Army of Occupation Medal, Japan Victory Medal and Good Conduct Medal. Roger married Sylvia Block in Paynesville. After his military service he worked in a processing plant, road construction and retail hardware. He later entered Radio Announcing School in Minneapolis. Roger was later employed at Radio Station KWBM (now KEYZ) in Williston, North Dakota in 1953 and 1954 at KNDC in Hettinger, North Dakota for 1 ½ years. He then was employed by KUMV-TV as a copywriter, announcer and interview show host, Program Director, Assistant Manager and Station Manager. Roger also earned his First Class Radio Telephone Operator license at Elkins School in Minneapolis.
Roger liked to fish, camp and hobbies such as working with his computer, photography, World War II history and woodworking. Roger was a member of the American Legion, Salvation Army Board, North Dakota Broadcasters Association Board of Directors, Elk Club and Rotary Club.
Roger and Sylvia were members of Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Williston, North Dakota. Sylvia passed away in 2004, oldest son, Richard passed away in 1999.
After living in Williston for nearly 50 years Roger and his son, Dean moved to Paynesville, Minnesota.
Roger enjoyed life, thankful to have lived a long life. He was thankful for a wonderful family, friends and the communities in which he lived.
Roger is survived by his son, Dean of Paynesville; daughter-in-law, Sharilyn Rien of Minneapolis; and sister, Betty Atkinson of Paynesville.
Memorials are preferred in lieu of flowers.
Guestbook
I worked for Roger at KUMV from 1980 to 1981. Sorry to learn of his passing. My deepest condolences to the family at this difficult time.
Our deepest sympathy to Dean, Sharilyn and Betty. Roger and I worked for Meyer Broadcasting for
about 40 years. He was truly a good
person, dependable and great friend.
He will be missed and fondly remembered by his “broadcasting family”. Karen and Mert Johnsrud, Venice, Florida.
Services
Schedule Details
Graveside services will be at 1:00 p.m. Thursday, January 26, 2012 at the Paynesville Cemetery, Paynesville with military honors.