Roger Dalen Sanapaw, age 67, of Keshena, passed away peacefully at his home on Wednesday, May 13, 2026, surrounded by loved ones. Roger was born on May 9, 1959, in Keshena to Velma (Lawe) Sanapaw and the late Bernard “Benny” Sanapaw Sr. On July 21, 1995, he was united in marriage to Valerie Skinkis in Keshena. Roger worked as a self-employed arborist for many years and always worked hard no matter what he was doing. In his free time, he enjoyed spending time in the woods, fishing, hunting, and listening to music. Roger had a great sense of humor and was a quiet man with a big presence. His family always came first before himself; if they needed something he was there. Roger was a wonderful husband, father, papa, son, uncle and brother. He will be deeply missed.

Roger is survived by: his wife whom he spent the last 43 years with, Valerie; his children, Sasha Sanapaw, Candice Sanapaw, Frank (Lace) Sanapaw, Cody Skinkis, Ruth (Simon) Sanapaw-Rayos and Jordan (Bryan) Madosh; his daughter-in-law, Cassie Skinkis; his mother, Velma Sanapaw; his grandkids, Mia (Angelo), Liv, Rory, Alice, Eric, Ashton, Sydnie, Valerie, Roger, Leslie the nurse, Malisa, Baby Cody, Colton’ his great-grandkids, Angelina and Baby Orlin; his siblings, Ruth Sanapaw, Lynette (John) Maskewit, Loretta Hopinka, Brenda Lawe, Aarron Weso, Jamie (Becka) Sanapaw, Mike (Ethel) Sanapaw, Dennis (Laurie) Sanapaw, Amy (Dana) Alegria; his aunts, Leona Sanapaw and Barbara Wheelock; his special kids and grandkids, Alicia and Valentino Morales, Pasquinell and Anita Samuelson, Jeremy (Sandra) Ballie, Leland LaRock, Tomisha and Christopher Mouse, Chris Jr and Mia House; his best friend Daryl LaRock.

Roger is preceded in death by: his son, Orlin Skinkis; his father Bernard “benny” Sanapaw Sr.; his siblings; Carolsue, Julie, Bernard Jr., Baby sister Ann Spencer; his Maternal grandparents, Ruth and Frances “Potchie” Tepiew; Paternal Grandparents Samone and Mercelin Sanapaw; several aunts and uncles and best friends, Sonny Baillie, Blaine Alishire, Christin Smith, Bert Samuelson, Leon Nahwahquaw Sr.

Roger grew up in Chicago and went to Goudy elementary school. For high school he went to Lane Tech Academy, did multiple jobs until moving back to Wisconsin. Years later he started his own tree company R&R Tree services.

Roger was diagnosed in May of 2018 with cancer. He was a true warrior and fought a long and courageous 7-year battle. 

The family would like to say thank you to the long-term care case manager Amy Going and Kasey Arrowood as well as the St. Vincent Hospital cancer team in Green Bay, as well as Unity Hospice. Thank you as well to Swedberg Funeral Home.

A funeral mass will be held at 11:00 am on Wednesday, May 20, 2026, at St. Michaels Catholic Church in Keshena with Fr. Hanz Christian officiating. Visitation will be held at Velma’s Residence at N594 Chief Shunien Rd in Keshena. Visitation will begin on Monday May 18, 2026, from 11:00 am until the time of procession on Wednesday.