Roger Henry Herzog

Roger Henry Herzog, of Rochester, MN, passed away peacefully with family at his side on Sunday, November 16, 2025.

Roger was born on January 15, 1939 in Melrose, MN to Alfred and Eleanor Herzog and was the oldest of 12 children. He lived in Melrose for several years before moving to St. Cloud, MN with his family, working on a farm with his uncle. The family then moved to Willow River, MN and Roger followed in his father's footsteps, working in a creamery, in Moose Lake, MN. He went to school there for 12 years and was a multisport athlete in basketball and football that he took great pride in.

After high school, Roger moved to the cities to work at the Old Home Creamery. In 1962, the United States Army drafted him for 2 years, spending part of that time in Colorado Springs. During his time in the service, he came home to marry his one and only, Irene Jurek on April 27, 1963; not only were they husband and wife, but most importantly, best friends for life. Rog and Irene traveled during their years together to various places including Texas, Florida, Tennessee, Hawaii, out west, and cruised through Aruba and the Bahamas.

Together they had three adorable sons, Kevin, Robert, and Thomas.

After his years of service in the Army came to an end, Klenzade (now known as Ecolab) was looking for someone who was knowledgeable in the dairy industry and who "loved to talk". Anyone who knew Roger, knew he was a man of many words. Taking this position required him, Irene, and their first-born son, Kevin, who at the time was 1.5 months old, to move from Minneapolis to Rochester, MN, a place they were unfamiliar with and did not have any family or friends in the area. It was quite the experience for everyone! Klenzade certainly found the right man for the job and Roger dedicated 37 years with the company.

When Roger retired from Ecolab, he still continued to be active within his community. He was the "go to man" any time a family member, friend, or even a stranger needed help or just a friend to lean on. From fixing things that may have been broken, painting something to give it a fresh look, mowing lawns, or even just being someone to talk to, Roger was that person you could always depend on. His circle of friends continued to grow, but he never missed a beat when it came to his family. Whether it was watching his kids and grandkids play sports, going to the casinos, playing card games with the family, teaching a grandkid how to use a tool in his shop, or being a member of the St. Pius Knights of Columbus; Roger always surrounded himself by the ones he loved.

Roger provided a wonderful life for his family. He is survived by his wife, Irene, his sons, Kevin of Millville, MN, Robert of Rochester, MN, Thomas (Tricia) of Kenosha, WI; five grandchildren, Hayden of Mankato, MN, Adam of Rochester, MN, Becca of Rochester, MN, Sam of Madison, WI, and Maya of St. Paul, MN. His surviving brothers are Dennis (Betty) of

Sturgeon Lake, MN, Leon (Pat) of Willow River, MN, Daryl of Rutledge, MN, and Rick (Cathy) of Sturgeon Lake. His surviving sisters; Kathleen Proulx (Steve) of Lino Lakes, MN, Laverne Walker of Willow River, MN, and Yvonne Kosloski (David) of Willow River, MN.

He is proceeded in death by his parents, his sister Annella, and his brothers Dale, Lloyd, and Harvey.

A Memorial Mass will be held on Saturday, November 22 nd, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Pius X Catholic Church. Visitation will be held one hour prior. Burial at Calvary Cemetery in Rochester.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Pius X Church, Knights of Columbus of St. Pius #14574, ABC (Ability Building Center of Rochester, MN), or a charity of your choosing.