ROGER JON ESPLING

NEW SWEDEN – Roger Jon Espling, 74, died Nov. 10, 2010, surrounded by his loving family at his home. A lifelong New Sweden resident, Roger was born Dec. 19, 1935, at home, son of Uno and Hildur (Soderberg) Espling. Roger attended Capitol Hill School, New Sweden, was a 1953 graduate of Caribou High School, and served in the U.S. Army from 1959 to 1961. He worked for many years as the service manager at Fox Buick/ Pontiac, Caribou, before working the remainder of his professional career as an Aroostook County deputy sheriff. He was active in the community as a member and past commander of American Legion Post 136, Stockholm; president of New Sweden Health Council, treasurer of Caribou Multiple Sclerosis Society, and member of Caribou Masonic Lodge No. 170 AF & AM and New Sweden Covenant Church. Roger had numerous interests, including cooking, photography, target shooting, fly tying, sharing his bass voice with the local barbershop singing group, and watching the Boston Red Sox. Roger appreciated all that Northern Maine has to offer, and enjoyed hunting, fishing and one of the best views in the entire state from his home on Capitol Hill. Roger is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 51 years, Helen (Browne) Espling; their three children, Erik and his wife, Debora, of Veazie, and their son, Alik, Karl and his wife, Laurie, of New Sweden, and their daughters, Kristen and Kelsie, and Megan and her husband, Dan Olson, of New Sweden; two sisters, Glenice and her husband, Gaylen Kelley, of Middleton, Mass., and Karen and her husband, John Erickson, of St. Petersburg, Fla.; nephews, Glen, Jon, Anders, Stefan and Bjorn; and niece, Lisa. A private graveside service for the immediate family will be held at New Sweden Cemetery, conducted by the Rev. T. Daniel Clayborne. Those who wish to remember Roger in a special way are encouraged to support New Sweden Covenant Church and the Jimmy Fund, and above all, promise to keep your family close to your heart. Arrangements are by Mockler Funeral Home, Caribou. Condolences to the family may be expressed at www.mocklerfuneralhome.com.