Roger Julius Etzel

Roger Julius Etzel August 22, 1940 – October 23, 2025   Roger Julius Etzel passed away peacefully on October 23, 2025, in Canby, Oregon, at the age of 85. He was born on August 22, 1940, in Oregon City, Oregon, to Julius R. Etzel and Regina Agnes Schnack Etzel. Roger grew up in the Molalla area and graduated from Molalla High School in 1958. He went on to earn a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from the University of Portland in 1962. Shortly thereafter, he began a 26-year career as a civilian accountant with the United States Army. His service took him to Vietnam, Washington, D.C., Hawaii, Sacramento, California, Warren, Michigan, and Sierra Vista, Arizona. After retiring in 1988, Roger returned to the Molalla and Canby area, where he devoted himself to caring for his elderly parents and enjoying a quiet retirement close to family. A devout Catholic, Roger was an active parishioner at St. John the Apostle Catholic Church in Molalla and St. Patrick Catholic Church in Canby. His strong faith guided his life and his kindness to others. Roger was an avid reader with an insatiable curiosity about the world. He was rarely seen without a book open in his lap—whether during TV commercials or while waiting for appointments. He read widely across both fiction and non-fiction, especially biographies of notable figures and works about historical and political events. His remarkable recall of what he read reflected his sharp intellect and lifelong love of learning. Known for his quick wit and encyclopedic memory, Roger brought laughter, conversation, and depth to every family gathering. He will be remembered for his sharp humor, his boundless curiosity, and his unwavering devotion to family and faith. Roger was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Edwin John Etzel. His sister-in-law, Janet Marie Sears Etzel, survives him, as do his nephews, Christopher John Etzel and his wife Allison, and Jacob Thomas Etzel and his wife Antonia. A 10:30 a.m. rosary and 11:00 a.m. funeral Mass will be held at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Canby on October 13, 2025, followed by a reception at the parish center. Instead of flowers, donations may be made to St. Patrick's Catholic Church.