MOUNT VERNON, WA (May 23, 2012) – A memorial service will be conducted Saturday, May 26, for retired Evangelical Covenant Church pastor Roger W. Wiganosky who died May 13 at Skagit Valley Hospital in Mount Vernon.
The service will begin at 2 p.m. at Bethany Covenant Church, 1318 South 18th Street in Mount Vernon. A service of Celebration of his life will take place at 6:30 p.m. on Sunday, May 27, at Warm Beach Senior Community Center in Stanwood.
Wiganosky was born January 1, 1927, in Minneapolis, Minnesota. He married Jeanne Manning in 1950 in Fort Wayne, Indiana. He enjoyed the outdoors, camping with his family, fishing, and boating through the San Juan and Puget Sound area.
Following graduation from Wheaton College and North Park Theological Seminary in 1954, he served Evangelical Covenant churches in the Pacific Northwest until his retirement in 1992.
In addition to his wife, survivors include four daughters: Sharon Romero, Suzanne Record, Janice Morrow, and Julia Wiganosky; a son, David Wiganosky; eight grandchildren and one great-granddaughter.
I have fond memories of Roger and Jeanne from the pastor group in the Seattle area many years ago. I am so thankful for their honest and faithful witness to God’s grace. Peace to Jeanne and to his memory.
Thanks for posting the news of Rev. Wiganosky’s death and planned memorial service. I, Jeffrey, am a product of the ministry of Roger and his family while he was serving the Selah WA Covenant Church. I accepted Christ at the age 9 in 1973 and soon became the pastor (after Alan and Carolyn Johnson). Roger was very instrumental to my spiritual growth during my formative years, including my attending and staying the course at North Park College and Seminary as well as attending Immanuel Covenant Church in Chicago, the same church he attended while in school. I remember most his pastoral sermons, his gift of song and his ability to truly minister to those under his care. He was also always building or repairing something which kept him healthy and wise. My prayers go out to Jeanne and all his extended family. Well Done, Good and Faithful Servant!
Remembering our wonderful fellowship in Yakima/Selah…and the Seattle area. Hugs, prayers and heartfelt sympathy to Jeanne and the family.
I am Vic and Ebba Anderson’s daughter Janet, from Minnehaha Covenant, probably one of the first churches that you both served. Pastor Roger’s willingness to lead us young kids to know Christ deeply helped to develop in me a heart for leadership and service that has continued for the rest of my life. I still think of those early days that we all met together many times, always with joy. Dennis and I have been teachers, raised 4 great kids and now in retirement have spent time in China and Kenya as teachers. I wil send this notice to Gene Lorenson and Jane Houghton Lorenson, who still serve and attend Minnehaha Covenant, as did their parents. Our love to you, Jeane, and the children. Sincerely, Janet and Dennis Hagen
I am the pastor of Minnehaha Covenant, and though I never got to meet Roger I am thankful for his work and witness. And thank you, Janet, for your note. I will let Gene and Jane, and our entire church, know of his passing.
Besides being an excellent pastor, Roger could swing a wicked wallboard tapeing knife. I first met Roger while working on North Seattle Covenant Church [first bldg] in 1959. Plus many times since. It is good to have good memories of our brothers and sisters. Peace to his memory, Gus [Elwood]
Pastor Wiganosky was my confirmation pastor. Peace to his memory and comfort to his family.
Roger was my dad’s best friend and colleague in pastoral ministry. Wally and Roger loved the simple pleasures of meeting for coffee with a friend and encouraging each other in the work. Roger was a good pastor, good father, good husband and good friend. Many people have found faith in Christ because of his faithfulness to God’s call. Peace to Jeanne and the family.