Roger L. Thistle, age 86, passed away at home surrounded by family in the Township of West Point on Jan. 30, 2025.  He was born in Lodi on May 22, 1938.  He was baptized and confirmed at the Lodi Methodist Church and attended Lodi Schools; graduating in 1957.  Upon graduation from High School he enlisted in the United States Air National Guard and Reserve Unit of the Air Force serving in Aircraft Maintenance as Electrical Engineer and Pilot in the 115th Fighter Group.  This fueled his love of aircraft and lifelong fascination with airplanes.  He continued to serve in the reserve unit until 1964.  His mechanical skills and talents made him a perfect fit to manage and operate Sunset Marina on Lake Wisconsin; he operated the marina for 18 years before starting his own landscaping company, RLT Landscaping which he operated until his retirement in 2000.  He enjoyed the outdoors and loved his outdoor projects and helping his family and friends with theirs.

Roger was united in marriage to his lifelong love Marian on Dec. 30, 1975 at St. Aloysius Catholic Church in Sauk City and just recently celebrating 49 years together.  In younger years Roger was an active part of the Lake Wisconsin Water Ski Club and member of the Lake Wisconsin Boat Club, where he enjoyed many fun days on water.  Roger and Marian enjoyed time spent with their family and at their winter retreat in Arizona.  Before making the decision to winter in Arizona; it had to have nearby airport access for Roger's Cessna 170.  They enjoyed flying the Arizona desert and dune riding the mountains with family and friends they met in Arizona.  His lifelong love of aircraft kept him involved in many groups, events and organizations; he served in the Civil Air Patrol, membership in the Antique Aircraft Assoc., MAAC and as a member of the EAA since the early 60's, where he volunteered every July at the AirVenture Event in Oshkosh for 26 years.  Roger also used his mechanical skills and talent to build two airplanes; a scratch-built Raven and a Witman W10 Tailwind.

His journey has been a flight well flown.

Roger is survived by his wife Marian, their children, Barry (Judy) Blankenmyer and Chari Blankenmyer; Brad (Melinda) Thistle; and Brad and Melinda's children, Chase, Kelsey, Bryce and Emily, and great Granddaughter Brooklyn.   Roger's brothers, Frederick "Fritz" (Esther) and Laurel Jr., (Linnea) Thistle. In-laws Edward Jr. (Ginny) Krumenuaer, Robert "Bob" Krumenuaer and Nancy (Bill) Bruheim   He is further survived by other relatives and friends.

He was preceded by his parents, Laurel and Verna (Latham) Thistle; a sister, Judy Kaiser; a nephew, Steven "Bullet" Thistle and his in-laws, Edward and Margaret Krumenauer; and sister-in-law, Kristine Krumenauer.

Roger's family would like to express their gratitude to the healthcare professionals who helped him stay comfortable and at home and to Travis Kleist APNP at Prairie Clinic.

Roger's family will have a private family service held at a later date.

Fly High Roger until we all meet again.