Roger A. Greiten

On March 4, 2026, after an incredible 94 years of a life well lived, Roger Greiten peacefully passed away at his home surrounded by his loving children.

Born September 2, 1931 in Milwaukee Wisconsin, Roger Allen Greiten was the second of three children and the only son of Raymond and Irene (Bassman) Greiten. His father was employed by the Milwaukee County Parks Department and the family had the rare privilege of residing in a home inside Eastabrook Park. It was there that Roger developed a lifelong love of all things nature and the outdoors, including a true passion for vegetable gardening. While not in the garden one could often find young Roger at the neighboring park's golf course or at Solly's Grille devouring a coveted Butter Burger. A graduate of Messmer High School, Roger went on to the University of Wisconsin where he was an active member of the Phi Kappa Theta fraternity and earned a BS in Soils, Agronomy and Agricultural Economics. Following graduation, he enlisted in the United States Army, was stationed in Rochester, NY, and while attending a USO event met his future sweetheart and wife, Jane Lynch.

After his honorable discharge from the Army, Roger followed in his father's footsteps and joined the Monroe County Parks Department in 1961. He excelled at his job, rising to the rank of Superintendent, a position he served in until his retirement in 1990. He took great pride in the parks' golf courses and the conservancy at Highland Park. Living for a time in the Cobblestone House in Mendon Ponds Park, Roger and Jane first welcomed their son, Paul and then their daughter, Karin into the family. They later moved to an old farm house on three acres in Honeoye Falls where they raised their young family along with their championship Golden Retrievers. This was also where Roger really got down to business with his gardening hobby. If he wasn't watering, weeding, fertilizing or harvesting veggies in his two expansive gardens, he was tending to his pear, apple and peach trees in the orchard.

Roger was an active member of St. Paul of the Cross Catholic Church in Honeoye Falls where he filled many roles including snow remover, choir member, usher, floral arranger, money counter, men's retreat goer and overall enthusiastic parishioner. In addition, he and Jane enjoyed traveling extensively with trips to several US national parks, Europe, Alaska and numerous trips to Puerto Rico and NJ to vacation with and visit their adoring granddaughters. His last major trip, at the age of 92, was a river cruise down the Danube with family, where he walked the cities of Budapest and Vienna, and sampled the finest cuisine and wines from the region. The oldest guest on the ship, he insisted on completing each day's walking tour and enjoyed the attention showered on him by his fellow travelers who marvelled at his true zest for life.

Besides gardening, he also loved playing horseshoes (he was a member of the Brongo Bowl Horseshoe League for many years), billiards, golf, eating mint chocolate chip ice cream at Dipper Dan's, Badgers football, and the Green Bay Packers (both a fan and a proud shareholder). Roger could often be seen around town, especially on Friday nights at the Critic's fish fry, chatting it up with his many friends.

Roger was predeceased by his wife of 65 years, Jane (Lynch) Greiten and his sisters, Beverly Hundley and Jorene Lipscomb. He is survived by his children, Paul Greiten and Karin (Aaron) Kibbey; his granddaughters, Gillian and Liah Kibbey; his sister-in-law, Mary Sweeney, brother-in-law, Mark Lipscomb and many beloved nieces and nephews.

Family and friends may call on Friday, April 24th between 4pm and 7pm at Merton H. Kays Funeral Home, Inc. 59 Monroe Street, Honeoye Falls. A mass of Christian Burial will be on April 25th at 12pm at St Paul of the Cross Roman Catholic Church in Honeoye Falls. A private family burial will follow.

For flower delivery please call Chase's Greenhouse and Florist at: 585-533-1028

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Highland Park Conservancy. https://www.highlandparkconservancy.org