Roger Leo Grasher

Roger Leo Grasher, age 79, of Odin, Illinois, passed away on November 20th in Centralia, Illinois.  He was born on August 24, 1944, in Centralia, Illinois. 
He is survived by wife Debbie (McClelland), his children Michael Grasher (Tracy) of Ponte Verde Beach, Florida, Michelle Grasher (Mara Rakestraw) of Bloomington, Illinois, and Matthew Grasher (Ann) of Altamont, Illinois; stepchildren Jason McClelland, and Laurie McClelland (Rhonda); grandchildren Collin, Brody, Henry, and Olivia Grasher, sisters Judi Jennetten (John) and Julie Payne (Mack); brother Thom Grasher (Cathy); and many nieces and nephews. 

He was preceded in death by his parents Leo and Helen (Schnitzmeyer) Grasher and former wife Marilyn (Wesling). Roger is also survived by his grieving dog, Tucker, a celebrity in the community.

Roger graduated from Sandoval High School, where he was a basketball star and member of the famous 1960-61 Sandoval High School Basketball Fraternity. He later served on the Sandoval School Board for several years.

Roger was a farmer and well-known Holstein breeder, earning honors at county fairs and the Illinois State Fair with his prize-winning herd. Gaining international recognition, he sold cows to Japanese dairymen, to Paris, France, and traveled to Canada to study Holstein breeding methods.   He was recognized statewide and was a former member of the Illinois Holstein Association.

Roger taught children in 4-H programs and was proud of his own children’s accomplishments, winning prizes at fairs for their showmanship.  He was an avid fan of his children’s athletic pursuits and later, Grandpa Rog enjoyed watching Henry and Olivia’s sporting events. Grandpa Rog was also proud of Collin and Brody’s achievements.

In later life, he was owner/operator of his own trucking business. He made friends wherever he traveled.

Roger was a lifetime member of St. Lawrence Catholic Church in Sandoval, Illinois, and active member of the Knights of Columbus. 

Roger was well-known for his coveted BBQ grilling skills that he often shared along with his garden bounty with both family and friends.   He possessed a unique gift of humorous storytelling that was intertwined with his many life adventures. 

We have lost a legend storyteller. After numerous hospitalizations, may Roger rest in peace.

The family would like to extend their gratefulness to all those who helped in Roger’s care and for the many visits and phone calls that meant so much to him.
Visitation will be from 5 – 7 p.m. on Friday at Day Macz Funeral Home in Sandoval and Saturday from 10:00 – 11:00 at Day Macz.  Funeral Mass will be on Saturday at 11 a.m. at St. Lawrence Church in Sandoval with Fr. Patrick Peter officiating.

In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to St. Lawrence Catholic Church Cemetery, Kaskaskia College Foundation with the memo to the Ag Department, or Clinton County Holstein Club.

Online condolences and memories of Roger may be shared with the family by visiting www.maczfuneralhomes.com and/or on the funeral home’s Facebook page.

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