Roger H. Herzog
Sunday, January 15, 1939
Date of Death:
Sunday, November 16, 2025
Age:
86 years old
Sunday, January 15, 1939
Date of Death:
Sunday, November 16, 2025
Age:
86 years old
Sunday, January 15, 1939
Date of Death:
Sunday, November 16, 2025
Age:
86 years old
Roger H. 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 22nd, 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.
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Roger H Herzog. H for: Helpful; H for Handy; H for Hard working; H for .... Knowing Roger and his family, especially Irene and Bob, over the many St. Pius X years has been an honor and energizing experience! Recalling Roger's many good deeds will continue to challenge each of us to be a better person. A loud HUZZAH for Roger; we bet the Heavenly Citizens welcomed him the same way. BEST SUPPORT ALWAYS to Irene and Bob and Keven and Tom and family.
Heaven has gained a caring and skillful handyman. Roger was always willing to volunteer his services for family, friends, church and community. He was a good friend and an inspiring example of selfless acts of kindness. I'm sure that family and friends will be sustained in their loss by fond memories and faith. God Bless.
Roger was my first cousin. I didn't see him often, but when I did, he reminded me that he used to change my diapers. Ours was the uncle's farm he worked on as a young boy. My Mom and Dad thought the world of him and I can only imagine the heavenly reunion they had. Rest in Peace Roger.
What can I say about Roger other than he was one of a kind and he will be missed by many. I first met him when I got into the dairy industry in 1979 at Clover Leaf Creamery in north Minneapolis. Roger and I were too much alike as we constantly seemed to butt heads on things until we came to an agreement and also became friends too. We did many activities both work related and outside of work including pheasant hunting and for many years annual fishing trips to Canada with several others from the dairy industry. Roger was a very dependable and knowledgeable person with a motor that never stopped and as his obit states, he wasn't shy and certainly didn't mind talking! I think he also knew more people than I ever could in several lifetimes. I like to think that Roger was the Paul Bunyan of Rochester. My hope is that Irene, Bob, Kevin and all the other family members can overcome this loss and just remember what a great man Roger was. I am glad that I knew him and got to be a small part of his life and will miss him.
Beautiful obit. Tough man with a tender heart.
Roger,Hubert,Henry Herzog.
I worked with Rog for over 15 years. He never needed a business card, once Rog shook your hand you had to remember him. He never had problems only opportunities.
His solutions weren’t always by the book- but they were always legal, ethical and worked!
Never can I remember calling Roger for help that he did not respond . What a guy, what a friend. A great man to look up to and admire!
rest in peace!!!
Back when St Pius hosted a weekly bingo session, I was part of the Roger Herzog team. I looked forward to volunteering because Roger made every minute enjoyable. Always smiling and a solid contributer, he set an example for everyone who knew him. I also loved sitting in front of him at 8:30 mass, cause he would often slug me on the shoulder and say "good morning". Rest in peace, you big teddy bear.
You were a good man, Roger. A good example.
Rest in Peace, and your family in in my prayers today.
PWC