Roger J. Stanek

1944 - 2024

Roger J. Stanek, 80-year-old resident of Little Falls, Minnesota, passed away Saturday, August 10, 2024, at his residence.

Mass of Christian Burial held on Saturday, August 17, 2024, at St. Mary's Catholic Church at 10:30 A.M., with Father Glenn Krystosek officiating. Visitation held from 2:00-5:00 P.M. on Friday, August 16, 2024, at St. Mary's Catholic Church and on Saturday from 9:00-10:30 A.M. Burial in Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Cemetery. Caring for Roger and his family is the Shelley Funeral Chapel in Little Falls.

Roger was born on August 4, 1944, in Little Falls, Minnesota to the late Otto and Dolores (Jelinski) Stanek. He grew up in Little Falls and Green Prairie Township and graduated from Little Falls Community High School in 1962. He was united in marriage to the love of his life, Arlene Mary Fussy on July 11, 1964, at Holy Trinity Church in Royalton, Minnesota. The couple raised three sons: Scott, Jeffrey, and Kevin. After graduation and marriage, Rog worked at a variety of local businesses, always trying to improve himself. He owned and operated milk trucks for West Side Creamery in Little Falls. In 1967, he was hired as a photographer at Silker Studio in Little Falls. Rog and Arlene owned and operated Rog Stanek Photography from 1976 - 2002. It was his honor to capture on film the precious events of families and friends. For the next seven years, he drove truck for Granite City/Knife River's Little Falls plant and then fully retired.

Rog loved hunting and fishing, especially with his family. He had so much joy planting food plots for the wildlife. The family spent a lot of time camping and then enjoyed their S-11 cabin near Orr, Minnesota. Playing the card game Smear became a family tradition. His favorite TV programs were Heavy Rescue 401, Highway Thru Hell, and Gunsmoke. He loved Elvis tunes, and his movie hero Burt Reynolds from Smoky and the Bandit was the inspiration for his nickname "Bandit."

Rog was a lifelong member of Our Lady of Lourdes Church in Little Falls, and he volunteered for many years for the church bazaar. He belonged to the Minnesota Deer Hunting Association Morrison County Chapter, the Little Falls Rifle and Pistol Club, and the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation. His wonderful "Spirit" will always be treasured!

Besides his wife, he is survived by three sons, Scott (Laurie), Jeffrey (Ann), and Kevin (Katy); seven grandchildren, Dr. Joel (Mara Syman) Stanek, Brett (Brittany) Stanek, Jordan (Taylor) Hamilton, Sarah Bystrom (Lee), Jamison (Carrie) Stanek, Jack Stanek, Ava Stanek; and three great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister, Renee (Ray) Zok and sister-in-law, Dorothy Stanek.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Otto and Dolores and brother, Ronald Stanek.

In lieu of flowers, donations will be sent to Rog and Arlene's favorite charities.