Roger Plessel

Roger Plessel passed away peacefully Tuesday, April 29, 2025, at his home in Pine City, Minnesota at the age of 85 after a courageous 15-year battle with Parkinson’s disease.

Joseph Roger Plessel was born July 31, 1939, in Pine City to Joseph and Marie (Schmidt) Plessel. He graduated from Pine City High School in 1957, where he was active in the Drum and Bugle Corps, 4-H Club, showing animals at the Pine County and Minnesota State Fairs.

Following high school, Roger attended the University of Minnesota graduating with a degree in agricultural engineering. He served honorably in the United States Army, spending time stationed in Korea.

After his military service, Roger worked for Fleischmann Malting Company for 25 years, and then Symtec until his retirement. In 1968, Roger married the love of his life, Doris Carlson, whom he met at the Pine Camp Ballroom. Together they made their home in Fridley, Minnesota, where they lived for 52 years before returning to Pine City. 

Roger was deeply involved in his community. He was a proud member of the Fridley Jaycees and served as Cubmaster of Pack #20 for 27 years. His hobbies were many—he enjoyed playing cards, pitching horseshoes, bowling, fishing, hunting, gardening, and teaching his grandchildren how to play cribbage. A devoted hobbyist, he kept bees for many years sharing jars of honey with his friends and loved ones. He was a member of the Northeast Accordion Club and proudly kept the beat on the washtub bass otherwise known as the "gutbucket". His favorite travel destination was Maui, but his greatest joy was always his family, which he loved deeply and was immensely proud of.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 57 years, Doris Plessel of Pine City; sons Joseph (Sue) Plessel of Andover, Christopher (Kim) Plessel of Oakdale, Justin (Kimberly) Plessel of Dayton; eight grandchildren, Jessica, Jamie, Emily, Cassondra (Matthew), Haley, Kallee (Aiden), Isaac, and Lilah; four great-grandchildren, Caroline, Everleigh, Rudy, and Rosie; sister Dorothy Westermann of Shoreview; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. He will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him.

Roger is preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Marie Plessel; his brother, Larry Plessel; sister-in-law Gloria Plessel; brother-in-law, Dwight Westermann.

Father Thomas Galarneault will celebrate a Mass of Christian Burial for Roger: 11 AM Tuesday, (May 6, 2025) at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church with a one hour visitation and reviewal prior. Additionally, a time of visitation and reviewal is planned from 5-8:00 PM Monday; prayer service 7:30 PM at the Swanson Funeral Chapel in Pine City. Roger will be interred in the Calvary Catholic Cemetery of Pine City with military honors provided by the Pine City VFW, American Legion and the U.S. Army National Guard. 

Funeral arrangements for Roger Plessel are entrusted to the: Funeral and Cremation Service of Pine City, Swanson Chapel

www.FuneralAndCremationService.com