Roger Wenker

Roger B. Wenker, age 75 of Greenwald, died Monday, January 16, 2012 at the Pine Villa Care Center in Melrose, Minnesota after having a series of multiple strokes.

Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:30 a.m. Friday, January 20 at St. Andrew's Catholic Church in Greenwald with Rev. Marvin Enneking officiating. Inurnment will be held privately at a later date. Military honors will be provided by the Lake Henry American Legion Post 612 and the Melrose Veterans Honor Guard.

Visitation will be from 9 to 11:30 a.m. Friday at the church in Greenwald.

Roger Bernard Wenker was born January 3, 1937 in Greenwald, Minnesota to Henry and Alma (Wuertz) Wenker. Roger was drafted by the U.S. Army in February of 1960 and served during the Korean War. He was honorably discharged in May of 1962. On August 21, 1965 he married Doreen Lieser at St. Michael's Catholic Church in Spring Hill. Roger took over the family farm in 1969 and sold the herd in 1997. He also drove truck for Gebeke Transport from 1964 to 1980, Loxtercamp Transport from 1980 to 1990, Stormy Transport from 1990 to 2005, and Minnesota Sawdust Company from 2005 to 2009.

He was a member of St. Andrew's Catholic Church in Greenwald and the Lake Henry American Legion Post 612. Roger enjoyed fishing, helping with farm work, taking RV trips, and loved spending time with his children and grandchildren.

Survivors include his wife, Doreen Wenker of Greenwald; children, Patrick (Mary) Wenker of Melrose, Jill (Joel) Mitchell of Elk River, Julie (Joel) Middendorf of Sauk Centre, Gregory (Jessica) Wenker of Upsala, and Kelly Wenker of Alexandria; nine grandchildren, Danica, Kennedi, Sidney, Tia, Gentry, Jesse, Jordan, Journey, and Mac; brother, Richard (Kathy) Wenker of Alexandria; and sisters, Kathy (Michael) Winter of Eugene, Oregon and Julie (Michael) Schlicht of Grey Eagle.

Roger was preceded in death by his parents, Henry and Alma Wenker; and sisters, Marcie Walters and Carol Welle.

Serving as cross bearer will be Jeff Schlicht and scripture bearer will be Joe Welle. Honorary bearers will be Clarence Schaefer, Ed Budde, Jim Voigt, and Randy Frieler.