Rogerio "Roger" Gomes, age 61, died unexpectedly, Wednesday, April 29, 2015, at his home in Brookings. Memorial services will be 2:00 p.m. Saturday, May 9, 2015, at Eidsness Funeral Home. Visitations will precede the service starting at 1:00 p.m. Roger was born August 22, 1953, to Jose and Talitha (Goncalo) Gomes in Campos, RJ, Brazil. Roger grew up and lived his young adult life in Brazil. Roger was proud to be a Brazilian in heart and soul. He maintained his citizenship to his native country. At the same time, he enjoyed his life to the fullest in his adopted country. He met and later married the love of his life, Thelma Cunningham. On November 19, 1982, the couple moved to the United States. Roger enrolled in college in Granite Falls, MN. He was unable to speak English at that time, therefore he taped the lectures and would replay them at night. He graduated in the first Robotics program at the Granite Falls Southwest Technical College in 1985. Roger and Thelma moved to Brookings immediately after graduation, where Roger accepted a position at 3M. He was currently employed at 3M as a Systems Technician, and would have received his thirty year recognition this July. Roger had a true passion for sports, and was an avid Minnesota Wild hockey fan. He loved watching all types of sports including hockey, soccer, and boxing. He enjoyed cooking and was well known for being a generous host. He never wrote a recipe down and was known to improvise on the ingredients. Roger enjoyed his annual canoe trips to the boundary waters with his friend Jack, and he will be remembered by his children for his compassion and gentleness. Roger was always ready and willing to try new things. Survivors include his wife, Thelma; sons, David, Brett, Kyle, and Kolton (Tina); grandchildren, Estrella, Jack and Landon Gomes; sister, Mara Gomes; brothers; Rodolfo, Romero, and Rodrigo; sisters-in-law, April (Jim) King and Dawn (Ray) Heinonen; numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Magda; and his mother-in-law.