07/07/2026
With gratitude for all the service that Audrey and Roger Moede gave to this community over many years. Your church misses you!
“WE SERVE”: Moedes Continue to Serve
The children of the late Roger and Audrey Moede have presented a meaningful $20,000 memorial gift to the Deer River Lions Club, honoring their parents' legendary combined legacy of over a century of volunteerism, leadership, and unwavering commitment to the community.
Roger and Audrey Moede were cornerstones of the Deer River area, dedicating their lives to public education, youth mentorship, and civic organizations. Following their passings, their children established this memorial tribute to ensure their parents' passion for serving others continues to impact the local community.
A Lifetime of Lionism and Leadership
The Lions motto is “We Serve”, and both Roger and Audrey lived by this motto. They were titans within the Lions Club International organization, accumulating historic milestones of perfect attendance and leadership:
Roger Moede joined the Deer River Lions Club in 1961. He achieved an incredible milestone of over 60 years of perfect attendance, serving as a Club Officer, Zone Chairman, and chairperson for countless community projects.
Audrey Moede was a trailblazer in Lionism. She was a Charter Member and President of the Deer River Avenue of the Pines Lioness Club (1981), served as President of the Deer River Lions Club (2015–16), and rose to the rank of Lions District 5M-10 District Governor (2001–02). She maintained over 40 years of perfect attendance.
Their extraordinary contributions earned them many of Lionism’s highest international honors, including the Melvin Jones Fellowship, the Judge Brian Stevenson Fellowship, the Leader Dogs for the Blind Founder’s Tribute, the Lions International President’s Certificate of Appreciation, and the Minnesota Lions Eye Bank Helen Keller Award.
Deep Roots in Deer River Service
Beyond Lionism, the Moedes dedicated decades to shaping generations of local youth through the Deer River School District—Roger as an Industrial Arts teacher for 35 years, and Audrey as a physical education teacher and coach for over 45 years.
Their community volunteerism spanned nearly every facet of local life, including:
Youth Programs: Audrey instructed and supervised the Deer River Lions Club Swimming Program for over 50 years and served as a Girl Scout and Cub Scout leader. Roger served as a Boy Scout and Explorer Scout Leader.
Civic and Local Government: Roger served as a Deer River Township Board Member and an officer in the Deer River Sportsman Club.
Arts and Faith: Audrey was a foundational member of the local theater scene, church choirs, and the Deer River Women's Chorus.
The Deer River Lions Club extends its deepest gratitude to the Moede family. This memorial gift will directly support local Deer River Lions Club initiatives, keeping Roger and Audrey's spirit of "We Serve" alive for generations to come.
