Roger “Duke” Schimberg, 50 years young, was born into eternity on September 17, 2025. He was born on January 4th, 1975, to Roger and Diane (Ardisana) Schimberg. Roger is survived by his mother Diane, sister Stacey Schimberg, twin sister Rhonda and husband Jason Scholten, his nephews Gregory and Austin Scholten, and a large extended family. He is also survived by his beloved kitties Rocky and Reeree. He is preceded in death by his father Roger Schimberg Sr, Grandparents Eleanor and John Schimberg, and Dorothy and Joseph Ardisana.
A celebration of his life will be held at 6:00 pm on Tuesday September 30th, 2025, at Wenig Funeral Home in Oostburg WI. All were welcome to view a livestream of the service on Roger’s obituary page at www.wenigfh.com . Family will receive visitors at the funeral home on Tuesday from 3:00 untill 6:00.
Roger attended the University of Wisconsin-Madison, graduating in 1999 with degrees in Social Work and Theater. He soon extended his passion for service by joining the Peace Corps, where he was stationed in Karaganda, Kazakhstan. It was during this time that Roger developed a deep commitment to helping those most at risk, working to set up and manage HIV/AIDS clinics. His travels took him to Thailand and other exotic destinations, further broadening his perspective on the world.
After returning to the United States, Roger pursued graduate studies at Tulane University, continuing his work in Public and World Health. Upon graduation with a master’s in public health, he traveled to South Africa, where he made a significant impact in the medical community. Roger developed the monitoring and evaluation of HIV/AIDS programs while providing education to physicians and other healthcare professionals, helping to improve treatment and prevention efforts.
When Hurricane Katrina struck, Roger returned to Wisconsin, assessing the damage to his New Orleans property from afar. He eventually returned to New Orleans, where he continued his work and lived until 2016. Along the way, Roger pursued his passions for art, photography, and yoga, all while remaining deeply dedicated to public health and HIV/AIDS prevention.
Roger later returned to his property in Wisconsin, where he found peace watching the sunsets that had been a cherished part of his father’s life. It was here that he enjoyed the love of his family, finding comfort in the place he had always called home.
In his travels he developed friendships in many corners of the world. He enjoyed linguistics and could speak many languages fluently. Recently he struck up a conversation in Russian with fellow tourist while traveling in Scotland, impressing both of his nephews who still don’t know what they were talking about.
Roger enjoyed his travels but always returned home and found great comfort in his family. He shared his love of travel with his nephews. They recently joined him in travel to Alaska and Scottland. He often reflected on those trips as some of his favorite. His nephews Gregory and Austin meant everything to him.
Over the last few years, you may have said hi to Roger when he hosted on Friday evenings at his aunts restaurant where he developed many friendships with staff and visitors. He enjoyed his time greeting customers and working alongside his friends. He will be greatly missed by his family at Mary’s Country Grove.
Roger had a great love for children and was close to the youth around him. Children were drawn to his sense of adventure, and he enjoyed their spirit and innocence. He was often seen being followed by a pack of youth ready for the next adventure. Many of the children felt he was just one of the pack. He will be missed greatly by his youthful friends, as by all of us.
His life, well-lived, was full of dedicated work to those in need, and love for close friends and his family. There is simply too much to add here…
Robin Williams, once said, “I think the people who have been through the most sadness are the ones who always try their hardest to make others happy. Because they know in their flesh what it’s like to feel empty and depressed and they don’t want anyone to feel that way”
Good by dear friend, till we meet again.
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