Roger Sehlstrom of Red Deer, Alberta passed away peacefully at the Red Deer Hospice on January 21, 2026 at the age of 83 years.

Born on April 26, 1942 in Edberg, Alberta to Swedish immigrants Allgund and Astrid Sehlstrom. After immigrating to Canada in 1938, the Sehlstrom family planted their Canadian roots nine miles north and east of Bashaw, Alberta.

After the early passing of his father in 1960, as a teenager, Roger was thrust into being a provider and caregiver, along with his siblings and mother at an early age, to keep the family farm thriving and productive.

Anyone who knew Roger would have easily noticed his core qualities of kindness and gentleness, along with an unmatched work ethic. His smile and laugh were unique to everyone who knew him. These qualities were highlighted when working with livestock of all kinds on the family farm, that he tended to with immense commitment and pride. The cattle always knew his voice, his routine and his actions. He respected his animals and in return, the herd managed to communicate their understanding by obeying what he needed from them, in a way that seemed almost magical to anyone who saw it.

Roger enjoyed socializing, especially with a deck of cards and a “Schnapps” or two. He was a card game wizard and won so frequently that we often accused him of cheating, even though everyone knew his character would never allow that. He was heavily involved in 4-H as a volunteer 4-H leader for many years, sharing his skill and knowledge with many children in his community.

After moving off the farm in 2000, Roger and Dee moved to Red Deer and spent their semi-retirement and retirement years travelling the world with friends and family. They enjoyed many winters in Arizona and summers out in Alberta’s west country at the cabin they built for themselves west of Caroline, AB.

Roger is lovingly remembered by his wife of more than 60 years, Dee; children Orlene (Ernest) Campbell, Leanne (Rob) Walker, Carrie Reed and Aldean (Maureen) Sehlstrom; grandchildren Amber (Levi) Simcoe, Christopher Schulz, Brody (Jessica) Schultz, Kaity (Adam) Aziz, Ross Campbell, Christine (Paul) Hart, Nicole (Brennan) Ralph, Cassandra Reed, Mikayla Reed, Kamryn Sehlstrom and Tyler Sehlstrom and great grandchildren Wyatt, Tytus, Astrid (all Simcoe), Bria, Lilah and Graydon (all Schultz). Also to cherish his memory are brothers Ron Sehlstrom, Carl Sehlstrom; sister Joyce Deacon and numerous extended family members and friends.

He was predeceased by his father, Ernst Allgund Sehlstrom; mother, Astrid Johanna Sehlstrom; sister Barbara Andrews, son-in-law Micheal Reed and brother-in-law Tom Deacon.

A Funeral Service will be held at The Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church, 4919 – 51 St, Bashaw, AB on February 3, 2026 at 11:00 am. Following the service, interment will take place at the Meeting Creek Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made directly to the Heart and Stroke Foundation, 1200, 2300 – Yonge St, Box 2414, Toronto ON M4P 1E4 or The Canadian Cancer Society Centre, 200, 325 – Manning Rd NE, Calgary, AB T2E 2P5.

Condolences to Roger’s family may be emailed to meaningful@telus.net. Please indicate “Roger Sehlstrom” in the subject line.

Arrangements in care of

Meaningful Memorials Funeral Service

A locally owned cremation and funeral provider

serving Red Deer and all of Central Alberta

587-876-4944

 

• Date : 2026-01-27
• Location : Meaningful Memorials Funeral Service, Red Deer AB "Locally Owned"