Roger Willems

1950 - 2023

Northfield - After a courageous battle with cancer, Roger Willems, age 72, passed away at home, surrounded by his family, on Thursday morning, June 15, 2023.

Roger Leo Willems was born August 7, 1950, in Pipestone, Minnesota, to Robert Joseph and Bernice Kay (Johnson) Willems. He was raised in Beresford, South Dakota, graduated Beresford High School in 1969, and attended Pipestone Vocational College to study meat cutting. Following his education he remained in the Pipestone area and worked as a meat cutter for various businesses. Roger married Kathleen Schroeder on August 31, 1974 in Pipestone. They had a son, Chris, and eventually made their home in Waseca. As life's path unfolded, they eventually chose separate journeys and embraced new horizons.

On February 14, 1981, Roger married Janice Kay Goettl at St. Mary's Catholic Church in LeCenter. After marriage they lived in Waseca moving to Northfield in 1984. Their union was blessed with two beautiful daughters, Dawn and Tammy. Roger worked for Erickson's Grocery Store (now Family Fare) until going to work for Grist Mill (now Con-Agra). In addition to Con-Agra, he worked at the Northfield Municipal Liquor Store for several years. After retiring in 2003, he enjoyed traveling and spending time with his grandchildren.

Roger was a member of the Church of St. Dominic and a former member of Knights of Columbus, the DJJD Committee and Northfield Jaycees. He enjoyed fishing, camping, traveling with Janice, playing cards, Cribbage, and as a young man playing softball. He was funny, social, caring, and a loving husband, father and grandfather that was so very proud of his family. He will be missed by everyone that knew him.

Survivors include his wife of 42 years, Janice; his children, Chris (Toni) of St. Francis, Dawn (Timothy) Winkels of Northfield, Tammy of Northfield; 4 grandchildren, Parker, Codey, Alex and Faith; 2 brothers, Jim (Donna) of Sioux City, IA, Kenny (Patty) of Kenova, WV; 2 sisters, Jylan (Reid) Matteson of Apache Junction, AZ, Shelly Albers of Madison, SD; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, parents and his brother Douglas.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00AM, Friday, June 23, 2023, at the Church of St. Dominic in Northfield. Visitation will be held from 4:00PM - 7:00PM on Thursday, June 22, 2023, at the Bierman Funeral Home. Visitation will continue on Friday at the church beginning at 10:00AM. A reception will follow the Mass. Memorials are preferred to Church of Saint Dominic and the American Cancer Society.