Roger Lee Chambers

Roger Lee Chambers

Roger Lee Chambers, 86, of Friendship, Wisconsin passed away suddenly in his home on Saturday, November 30, 2024.

Roger was born on Aug. 24th, 1938 in Swea City, Iowa.  His mother was Adeline Berniece Severson Chambers and his father Charles Henry Chambers. He had one brother, Theadore Allen Chambers.  During their early years, Roger’s family lived in Livermore, Ia. When Roger and Ted started elementary school, the family moved to Oneal, Nebraska, where Charles was self- employed as an electrician. During Roger’s junior high school years, the family moved to Ringsted, Ia., where his father was employed in an implement farm dealership.

After high school graduation, Roger went on to Westmar College where he received his teaching degree in 1960. In June of 1960, Roger married his college sweetheart, Ellen Louise Durin. Roger went on to receive a masters degree in math education from Ohio State University and completed 30 credits after that through various universities. Roger taught math in Ida Grove, Iowa, University of Dubuque, Dubuque Senior High School, Black Hawk High School, South Wayne, WI., and Adams-Friendship High School, Adams, WI. After retiring from teaching, he served as executive director of Wisconsin Association of Student Counsel for 5 years in Madison, WI. He then retired in 2005.

Roger is survived by his wife Ellen of 63 years and three children: Catherine Louise Chambers, (Troy Castorena ) of Gilbert, Arizona, Marc (Jennifer) Chambers of Portsmouth, Virginia and William (Dawn) Chambers of New Glarus, Wisconsin. Grandchildren Carri Chambers , Morghan Castorena, Jake (Miranda) Castorena, Allison Donner and Katie Donner. Great grandchildren Ava, Camdon and Kaison Castorena.

In honor of Roger’s wishes, there will be no visitation or service.

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Condolences

  1. Lennard A. Wilson says:

    Dear Ellen and Family,
    It grieved us to hear about Roger passing away, and we are praying for you all as you go through this time of sorrow.
    MAY THE LORD COMFORT YOU AND STRENGTHEN YOU AND BRING TO YOU MANY CHERISHED MEMORIES OF YOUR LIFE SHARED TOGETHER.
    TAKE CARE AND GOD BLESS!!!
    Lennard and Heather Wilson and Family

  2. Kari & Mike Banovec says:

    Ellen and family, you are all in my thoughts during this difficult time. Mr. Chambers was one of my very favorite teachers and a great all around person, he will be greatly missed by our entire community.

  3. Willa (Schroeder) Pribel says:

    My deepest sympathies for your loss. Mr. Chambers was one of my favorite teachers. He saw the potential in all his students. He was a kind soul, and will be sorely missed.

  4. Wendy (Schroeder) Reitz says:

    I’m deeply sorry for your loss. Mr. Chambers’ dedication and leadership left an indelible mark on our community. Through his work with WASC, he made a difference in the lives of so many students, including myself. I feel incredibly fortunate to have been positively impacted by his guidance and vision. His legacy of kindness and commitment will continue to inspire us all. My thoughts and prayers are with you and everyone mourning his passing.

  5. Cathy Rathermel says:

    Ellen & family, my heart hurts learning of Rogers passing. We have lost another great pillar of our community. Reading previous condolences, you can see how many people loved him and how much he gave to all he met. I will always remember the kindness and caring he showed both of my girls in high school. Roger was one in a million and will never be forgotten. All my family admired and loved him. I’m hoping all these special messages from so many will help lighten your loss Ellen. May peace be with you! Love and hugs coming your way.

  6. Julie (Neff) Davis and family says:

    To the family of Roger,
    He was one of the best educators I knew. He held a special place in not only my heart, but many others that he taught at Black Hawk High School. He not only was my teacher, but also my basketball coach whom I had the utmost respect for. He was one of the best. One of my memories of Roger is when we would be passing each other in the hallway and he would lick his finger and wipe it on the lenses of my glasses. Boy did he think that was funny! As you read the many memories of the many people he has touched, please find strength and comfort in the days ahead. Rest In Peace Mr. Chambers!

  7. Alan Burke says:

    Ellen and Family, I’m so sorry for your loss. Rog and I were colleagues in the math department at Dubuque Senior High School. He was a great teacher and great friend as well. Deepest sympathy and prayers to you.

  8. Jessica Brogley (LaQuee) says:

    I’ve often wondered how different my life might have been if Mr. Chambers hadn’t invited me to join the Student Council. I’ve thanked my lucky stars countless times that he did.

  9. John L Brattlund says:

    Roger was one of a kind!! I had the fortune to work with Roger for 17 years between Black Hawk and Adams Friendship. We spent many hours working with Student Council WASC and coaching girls basketball. Roger was a mentor, colleague and most of all one of my best friends I ever had. He helped hundreds of students as well as colleagues. Roger rest in peace, you will be missed!!!

  10. Lisa Zastava-Cupp says:

    So very sorry for your loss. He was such an amazing teacher and person and will be greatly missed.

  11. Sherry Sherd says:

    What a great loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.

    The Sherd Family

  12. Tyler Rivera says:

    I have fond memories of Roger from our years of crossing paths in WASC. One particular supportive comment he made to me over twenty years ago still resonates with me to this day! And I’m just one of the thousands of students that Roger impacted in his career. What a legacy.

    My condolences to all of Roger’s friends and family.

  13. Carl Olson says:

    He was. the best. i was fortunate to work with him in my more than 40 years withe the WASC. he touched so many students and advisers . best wishes to your family he will be missed.

  14. Linda McNew says:

    Dear Ellen, so sorry to hear of Roger’s passing. We were so happy to see you and Roger out a week ago. Will miss him and hope to see you soon. Love Marty and Linda McNew.

  15. Joel Willman says:

    Ellen, & Family

    Mr. Chambers was a great teacher, & ensured he helped his students succeed in his math class. From our family to yours we send condolences for your loss.

  16. Danielle Koehn-Cifaldi says:

    Ellen and family, you have my heartfelt sympathy. Mr. Chambers had a very profound impact on my life and his life lessons helped form me into the teacher I am today. He has left behind a wonderful legacy. With all my love, Danielle

  17. Sue and Randy Anderson says:

    Ellen and family, our deepest condolences for the loss of Roger. We always enjoyed talking with you both when we would see you out and about. He gave so much to our community. Keep the memories close.

  18. Julie and Bob Goodhue says:

    We were so sorry to hear of Roger’s passing. He was a wonderful person. We extend our deepest sympathy to Ellen and family at this sad time. May your good memories sustain you in the days ahead.

  19. Scott & Peggy Willis says:

    Ellen and family.. so sad for the loss of Roger.. he was one of the great ones. We did so much at school, community, council and WASC that it didn’t seem like work, I got to hang out with one of the best co-workers around. AFHS and the community changed when you came to town. Your impact on SO many across the US will be felt for years

  20. Lloyd and Julie Ebert says:

    So very sorry for the loss of Roger. May he rest in peace.

  21. Michael Goc and Barbara Weade says:

    Roger has passed but the many young people he counseled as they started their paths in life survive and continue his legacy. Condolences to his family.

  22. Michelle Chase says:

    My thoughts and prayers are with you all! The love you share will never be broken or lost. He will remain with you in your hearts and memories. 😇💞🙏🫂

  23. Judy Vondrak says:

    Ellen and family,
    So sorry for your loss.

  24. Timothy D. Schmitt says:

    I am so sorry for your loss.
    Hello was a great man and friend. I have very fond memories of him and will cherish the memories….

  25. Timothy D. Schmitt says:

    I am so sorry for your loss.
    Hello was a great man and friend. I have very fond memories of him and will cherish the memories….

  26. Jayne Kurschner says:

    Mr. Chambers was a wonderful person, teacher, and coach. So sorry for your loss. Sending thoughts and prayers for all 🙏

  27. Daric Smith says:

    I had Roger as a teacher and a student council advisor. As good a teacher as he was, he was an even better person and role model. He was a great example of what it means to be part of a community. My sincerest condolences to Ellen and family.

  28. Benjamin Bezin says:

    What a great guy
    Roger really helped me out in math in school and took the time to help me in math after I graduated.
    Thank you so much
    You will be missed.

  29. Ray and Sherri Trombley says:

    Chambers family – Sorry to hear of your loss. We are thinking of you during this time.

  30. Alice Schulz says:

    Ellen so sorry for the loss of Roger. He was a wonderful teacher to my boys and a good friend. Prayers for you and your family 🙏🙏🙏🙏

  31. Alice Schulz says:

    Ellen so sorry for the loss of Roger. He was a wonderful teacher to my boys and a good friend. Our sincerest condolences to you and your family 😪🙏🙏🙏

  32. Beccy Klein says:

    Ellen and family,
    So sorry for your loss.
    Mr. Chambers was such a kind man. He was a wonderful teacher and basketball coach. He will be missed~

  33. Pam Tuttle says:

    Here was a man who dedicated his entire career and life to children. He impacted many both as a teacher and as a student council advisor. He will be remembered by many. I enjoyed being a coworker with him at the high school. My condolences to you Ellen and to the family. Be proud of him!

  34. Mary Lee and Gordon Klaus says:

    Ellen and family, Condolences and prayers are being sent to you all. Remember the good times.

  35. Marge Edwards says:

    Ellen and family, so sorry to hear of Rog’s passing. He will be missed by the many who worked with him as a teacher and community volunteer. Prayers for you all as we think of him and Beaver enjoying a laugh over a cup of coffee or mug of beer!

  36. Michael T. Clark says:

    So sorry for your family’s loss…….

  37. Mindy Anderson-Nicholls says:

    Mrs Chambers and family, please accept my sincerest condolences at the loss of your husband, father , grandfather and great grandfather. Mr Chambers was such a blessing to all of us students who got to know and love him. He was kind beyond measure and his smile always made us all smile in return, no matter how rough the days seemed. What a gift you all have been to our community. So many treasured memories for everyone fortunate enough to know him (and you!) May your memories and the love he had for all of you sustain you and bring you peace and comfort at this most difficult of times. Hold each other close and know he will always be watching over you. Rest in Peace Mr Chambers! Thank you for sharing your many gifts with all of us at, and in, AF.

  38. Tony and Merrilee Marchese says:

    Ellen and family, our sincerest condolences. RIP Roger🙏

  39. Lori Armstrong says:

    Deepest sympathy to Mrs. Chambers. He was the best of the best! Not just a phenomenal teacher, but a kind, good man.
    Rest in peace. God speed!

  40. Janice Hurley says:

    Ellen and family- I am so sorry for your loss. He was a great guy. Thoughts and prayers are with you

  41. Sally Winchester says:

    So sorry for your loss Ellen and families! Prayers!!! RIP Roger!!

  42. Mark and TC Rogers says:

    Ellen and family,
    Our sincere condolences. Roger was a wonderful man and co-worker who has done so much for our youth and community. He has left an amazing legacy and we are proud to have known him.

  43. Dawn Stone says:

    To Ellen & Family,
    Sincerest sympathy. I worked with Roger in AF and in WASC. My son attributes much of his success at USNA & now as a Major in the Marine Corps to the leadership skills he learned from Roger and the Student Council & WASC team.
    May your grief soon become many, many wonderful memories. Remember the good times!
    Prayers for peace,
    Dawn & Rock Stone
    Wyatt Stone

  44. Rachel Marti says:

    Chambers Family – My sincere condolences on Roger’s passing. He was a wonderful person, a great role model to the community. He taught me (and so many others) the true meaning of leadership. He made a profound impact on my future through his work with WASC, and I will never forget his smile and kind spirit. His legacy will live on through his impact. May his memory be a blessing.

  45. Ron & Kathy Meyer says:

    Ellen and family so sorry for your loss. Roger was a great man, he did a lot for AF school, and community. We always enjoy visiting with both of you. May your memories bring you and your family comfort during this difficult time. Please know you will be in our thoughts and prayers.

  46. JoAnne Riste says:

    So sorry for your loss. He was a great man and teacher.

  47. Robert Schiefer says:

    So so very sorry for your family’s loss, he was a very good teacher friend and person. Prayers and thoughts.

  48. Denise Schmidt says:

    Dearest Ellen and Family,
    My sympathies on the loss of your husband and father. He was a great teacher and role model. He was always smiling. Hold onto all the memories and allow those memories to help you in the healing process. With deepest sympathies, Denise

  49. Warren Gayton says:

    Very sorry to hear this, great man. My condolences to your family. He will be missed.

  50. Lisa Gregory says:

    Ellen, I am deeply sorry to hear of Roger’s passing. I am honored to have worked with him & you during my four years at the Blossom Shop. Even though he was retired he worked daily doing deliveries. I remember you helping as well. I will pray for comfort for you & your family during this difficult time. Rip Roger❤️

  51. Jodi Helgeson and Jim Grabarski says:

    Ellen and family. We always enjoyed visiting with you both. Roger was a great asset to the community. Our sympathy to you all

  52. Jeff & Laurie DeVaney says:

    Ellen and family,
    Our deepest condolences on the loss of Roger. Prayers for you all

  53. Donna Kirsenlohr says:

    Ellen, I am so sorry to hear of Roger’s passing. Keeping you and your family in my prayers.

  54. Rene Howard says:

    So sorry to hear of Mr Chambers passing. He had such a big heart and kind soul. He was one of the very best teachers. He will be missed.

  55. Lonnie Robbins says:

    Wonderful man. RIP Mr Chambers. Ellen and family sorry for your loss. Sending my deepest sympathies!

  56. Peggy Lecy says:

    So very sorry on your families loss
    May God family and friends comfort you

  57. Tammy says:

    I’m so sorry for the loss of Mr. Chambers. He was a wonderful teacher and always made you feel important. I will remember him always.

  58. Lynn (Kirsenlohr) Dehmlow says:

    My condolences to Ellen and family. He always gave so much to the students and was a great role model for us all. Sending prayers and hugs to you all.

  59. Sonja McLaughlin says:

    Ellen, my deepest sympathy on Rogers passing!!!! A lot of wonderful memories,

  60. Shelia Toltzmann says:

    Ellen and family, Dale and I had some good times teaching with Rog! He always had a positive attitude, and was kind beyond words. Please know that I am sending loving hugs of support and understanding your way. Surround yourself with supportive people and cherish the wonderful times that you shared.

  61. Rick and Brianna Carlson says:

    Ellen and family our condolences.

  62. Alice Straka says:

    Oh Ellen my heart brakes for you. I am so glad I got one last hug on Thursday. He will be missed. Hugs and Prayers to you and family.

  63. Robert Quinnell says:

    Ellen and Family, so sorry to hear this news! I will always remember his big laugh. I’m sure he and Bob Beaver are having great conversations. He will be missed!

  64. Jennifer Parr-Murphy says:

    Ellen, so sorry to hear about Roger. Such a wonderful person. Our hearts go out to you ❤️
    With much love,
    Jennifer Parr- Murphy and all of your Coldwell Banker Family

  65. Donna & Dan DeFosse , Sr. says:

    Ellen and Family,

    Dan & I are so sorry to hear of Roger’s passing. Always made Dan & I feel welcome in AFSD… He truly was the epitome of an Educator and made all of his students feel important.

    At times like this remember how Blessed You are. Dan & Donna

  66. Cindy Babcock says:

    Ellen and family, My condolences, Roger was such a sweet man, he did a lot for the school and and the community over the years. He will be missed. Thoughts and prayers you all of you. Hugs

  67. Dick and Marj Colby says:

    So sorry to hear of Roger’s passing. He was a very caring person. Treasure your memories.

  68. Lori Hall says:

    To my best math teacher..i never got it until he taught me…what a difference he made in my education..he will always be my best math teacher.. To his family so very sorry for your loss. Take some comfort in knowing he was a positive educator and really made a difference. Thank you Mr. Chambers

  69. Kim and Bob Bezemek says:

    Dear Ellen,
    Roger always did every thing with a good heart and expected nothing in return.
    May all the good memories sustain you during this difficult time.

  70. Tammy Lowrey says:

    Ellen – I am so sorry for your loss. Roger was a wonderful person. I will keep you in my prayers.

  71. Kathie and Jerry Dye says:

    Ellen and Family, we are so sorry to hear of Roger’s passing. He will always be remembered for his willingness to help and just always being a good person. His smile was contagious. Hugs to all.

  72. Sandy Reinke says:

    Ellen and Family,
    I am so sorry to hear of Roger’s passing. He was a nice and friendly person who I am sure will be greatly missed in the community. You are in my thoughts and prayers at this most sad of times.

  73. Linda Reiber says:

    My prayers are with you and your family! So glad I got to know Roger. Was great coworker! He was do great with the students

  74. Dennis McFarlin I pp says:

    Ellen & Family:

    My condolences. It just will not be the same at our conversation hangouts.

    Dennis

  75. Kay Banie says:

    Ellen and family, my deepest sympathy to you all. Roger was a great person. I loved talking with him and will miss him.

  76. Lizz Flory says:

    Ellen, so sorry for your loss.

  77. Martin Hillert says:

    Omg We are so sorry for this loss. We loved both of you!!! Bless you!!!!’

  78. Deb Williams says:

    Ellen and family so sorry to hear about Roger, he was one great man and was loved by all !

  79. Patti Rhinehart says:

    Ellen and family.. my deepest and heartfelt sympathy to all of you ! Roger was always such a wonderful person and teacher. Always had a smile and was such a role model. He will be missed but treasure all the great memories!
    Patti Rhinehart

  80. Shawna Gruber says:

    I am so sorry for your loss

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