Earl John Rogalla

Earl John Rogalla 81, passed away peacefully under hospice care at home in Ham Lake, MN on February 5, 2025.

Born on May 3,1943 in Grafton, ND. Earl grew up in Warren, MN where he was a four sport athlete competing in basketball, baseball, cross country and track. Earl graduated from high school in 1961. He earned a bachelor's degree in education from Bemidji State University in 1966. Earl's career in education spanned 22 years, including roles as a community school director in Flint, MI and a physical education teacher in several Minnesota schools. In 1988, he transitioned to a successful sales career with Cook Composites & Polymers retiring in 2006. After retirement, Earl dedicated ten years to volunteering with the auxiliary sheriff's department in Pima County, AZ.

Earl met the love of his life, Jane Lorraine Ford, in 1967 while teaching in Flint, MI. Together they fostered a love for travel and a commitment to community service. They married on August 22, 1970, and together raised two daughters, Jill Elizabeth Rogalla and Anne Catherine Rogalla. As a family, they spent many school breaks traveling, exploring new places and creating memories. Earl and Jane instilled in their daughters a love of adventure, gratitude and a deep empathy for others.

A man of many passions, Earl was an avid golfer who cherished time spent on the course with family and friends. He enjoyed birdwatching from his porch in sunny Arizona, fishing with his brothers and nephews, traveling with his "Boundary Waters Bunch" and playing card games with neighbors. In addition, he and Jane gathered for discussions with the St. Scholastica fun seekers, the St. Williams crew and the St. Gerards group for over 40 years. Earl was a lifelong learner who earned his private pilot's license in 1985 and spent weekends sailing on Minnesota's 10,000 lakes. Earl and Jane were known for their love of movies, enjoying new restaurants and hosting supper club gatherings with friends.

Earl's generosity extended beyond his family and friends. He was a devoted supporter of Catholic Charities, Habitat for Humanity, Wounded Warriors, Caring and Sharing Hands, Shriners Children's and many other organizations.

Earl is survived by his beloved wife of 54 years, Jane; daughters Jill (Stephen) Arnold and Anne (Blake) Norsted; four grandchildren: Elizabeth, Catherine, Kennedy, and Sophie; his siblings Laverne (Becky) Rogalla, Yvonne Rogalla, Sara (Fred) Vegge, and John (Sylvia) Rogalla; sister-in-law Carol Davenport; and many beloved nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Florian Rogalla and Sarah (Dauksavage) Rogalla; his brother Jim Rogalla; his mother-in-law Agnes Ford; his brother-in-law John Davenport; and his nephew Lewis Rogalla and niece and nephews-in-law Karl Kuelthau, Tim Walling and Leslie Rogalla.

Though Earl faced physical decline in his later years, he lived by the Prayer of St. Francis, finding peace in his faith:

"Lord, make me an instrument of your peace;

where there is hatred, let me sow love;

where there is injury, pardon;

where there is doubt, faith;

where there is despair, hope;

where there is darkness, light;

where there is sadness, joy.

O Divine Master, grant that I may seek not so much to be consoled as to console;

to be understood, as to understand;

to be loved, as to love;

for it is in giving that we receive;

it is in pardoning that we are pardoned;

and it is dying that we are born to Eternal Life.

Amen."

Earl was a man of conviction who loved fiercely and we loved deeply in return. He was kind, generous, hard working and honest. He lived a life full of gratitude and dignity. To honor Earl, we ask that you carry forward his spirit of kindness and mercy, treating others with the same acceptance and service he so often showed. Earl will forever live in our hearts.

A celebration of life will be held on Friday, March 28, 2025 at Mississippi Crossing in Champlin, MN. Celebration of Life at 1:00 pm followed by an Open House from 2:30pm-4:00pm.