Service Information
Robert “Bob” Rogotzke, age 88, of Fairfax passed away Sunday, May 31, 2020, at his home in Fairfax.
Graveside Service will be Friday, June 5, 2020, 11:00 A.M. at Emanuel Lutheran Cemetery, Wellington Township, Renville County, Minnesota.
Visitation will be Friday, June 5, 2002, from 9:00 A.M.-11:00 A.M. at Emanuel Lutheran Cemetery in Wellington Township.
Military Honors by the Fairfax Honor Guard.
Appropriate social distancing will be followed. Masks ARE required.
Obituary
Robert “Bob” Henry Rogotzke was born on July 5, 1931, in Springfield, Minnesota. He was the son of Albert and Myrtle (Klasnya) Rogotzke. Bob grew up on a farm near Sanborn, Minnesota, and was the eldest of six siblings. Robert was baptized as an infant on July 19, 1931, and was later confirmed in his faith as a youth on March 25, 1945, both at Zion Lutheran Church in Sanborn, Minnesota. He received his education in Sanborn and was a graduate of the Sanborn High School Class of 1949.
On July 11, 1952, Bob entered active military service and served his country in the United States Army during the Korean War. He received the Korean Service Medal with two Bronze Stars, National Defense Service Medal and the Good Conduct Medal. He achieved the rank of Sergeant. Bob was Honorably Discharged on June 9, 1954.
On June 1, 1957, Bob married the love of his life, Delores Batzlaff at Zion Lutheran Church in Sanborn, Minnesota. After their marriage, the couple resided on their farm between Lamberton and Wabasso, then moved to Fairfax. Bob farmed for a few years; he then purchased and operated an Amoco Oil business in Fairfax and was a commercial salmon fisherman in Alaska. This union was blessed with three children, Roger, David and Carole. Delores preceded him in death by 16 years.
One of Robert’s legacies are four salmon boats in Alaska’s Bristol Bay. He enabled his family to purchase a boat and permit to fish in the commercial fishing business by using his property as collateral. “There are 214 salmon in the net. That’s a pretty good net”, said Robert on July 5th, 2011, on his 80th birthday as he counted salmon coming aboard the fishing vessel Kanista. He loved to count the salmon from the beginning of his fishing career in 1984.
He was a perfect example and spiritual leader for his family. Bob was a member of Emanuel Lutheran Church in Wellington Township and served on the Church Council. He was also on the Fairfax School Board when Fairfax built a new school after the 1976 school year.
Robert loved all sports—He once threw a no hitter against Springfield High School as he had perfected the ‘knuckle ball’ and loved to throw that zig zaggy ball with his kids as we played catch. He loved animals and had a dog named Mitzie that happily rode along many years in the Amoco bulk truck. He often spoke of the Percheron work horses that he grew up with: Pete, Polly, Dan, and Roger.
Bob enjoyed fishing, hunting, playing cards and traveling. He had a high respect for all farmers, and was a kind and generous man. Bob cherished the time he spent with his family, especially his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He really enjoyed watching his children and grandchildren play in their sporting events and other school activities.
Robert died Sunday, May 31, 2020, at his home from complications of coronary heart disease and Alzheimer’s. He was 88 years old. Robert was grounded in his faith and his soul has flown. He is at home with his risen Savior. Blessed be his memory.
Bob is survived by his:
Children, Roger Rogotzke and his wife, Barb of Sleepy Eye, MN,
David Rogotzke and Anne Schepers of Duluth, MN, and
Carole Rogotzke of Lakeville, MN;
Grandchildren, Tom (Amy) Rogotzke, Karen (Matt) Mason, Jay (Amanda) Rogotzke, Katie (Mike) Foote, Leah Rogotzke, and Matt Rogotzke;
Great-Grandchildren, Stella, Harper and Tyson Rogotzke, Matthias, Juliana Mason;
Siblings, Mary Jane Rogotzke and Betty Ann Kurth;
Nieces, Nephews, other relatives and friends.
Bob was preceded in death by his Parents, Albert and Myrtle Rogotzke; Wife, Delores Rogotzke; three Brothers whom he loved, Rich, John, and Al (June) Rogotzke.
Nora says
Carole & Rogotzke Family,
I am so saddened to hear the loss of your father. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Debra Zollner says
Roger Dave n Carol : I’m sorry to hear about your dad he was one of the kindest man I’ve ever met. He always gave me encouragement when I needed it, my sympathy to your family
Debra Zollner
Charles Matter says
My deepest sympathy to the family I loved Bob and deloris they were wonderful people to be around and work for
Jen Kuske says
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Bob was a wonderful man and faithful Christian. We are sorry for your loss- but rejoice he is with his Savior in heaven!
The Kuske’s
Pat & Gary Kranz says
Sympathies to your family. Your parents were great neighbors to our parents Melvin & Marion Rohde. Across the street neighbors.
Pam Wong LaFond says
Carole,
I am so sad to hear the news of your father’s passing. Deepest sympathies to you and your family.
You are in my thoughts and prayers. God Bless.
Michele Lemner says
Carole,
My deepest sympathy to you and your family, you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Laural Sickmann Koenig says
God’s comfort and peace to you all. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Jill Nachreiner says
My deepest sympathy to your family! I always knew of him to be kind to everyone. God Bless and may Bob rest in peace!
Janelle Hibbard says
Carole – so sorry for the loss of your father. He sounded like he was quite a guy and I am sure he will be missed deeply.
Anne King says
I’ll always remember his warm and kind spirit bringing the BEST salmon at our family reunions. So sorry to hear of his passing.
Belle Bietz says
Carole, I am sorry to hear about your father. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.
Our deepest sympathies.
Jim and Barb Ohlemann says
So sorry to hear of your loss. God be with you at this time.
Twila Sickmann says
So sorry for your loss …My thoughts and prayer are with Bob`s family…Our only comfort is to know he is safe in the arms of our Lord…
Dr. Dean Brinkman says
Roger & Barb,
Please know that you will remain in our prayers for the loss of your father Bob. Continue to count your blessings for the wonderful life and example he lived and led. May he rest in peace.
Dr. Dean & Sandy Brinkman
Sherry Brandt says
My condolences to the Rogotzke family. I always remember Bob as such a kind and quiet man. He will be missed at our family reunions. Hugs to all of you.
Jens Jensen says
Carole and Mr. Rogotzke’s Family:
I was truly saddened to learn about Mr. Rogotzke. He was an honest businessman and a people person. I always enjoyed getting gasoline at the gas station. He and Delores introduced me to WCAL Radio located at St. Olaf College in Northfield, MN (via a calendar from WCAL that was hanging on the wall at the gas station.)
I’m thinking of all of you and keeping you in prayers.
Joan Mager says
To Bob’s family
He was a great guy and will be missed by those who knew him. Our love and prayers to you.
Steve and Verlyce French says
Betty Ann and Don,
Sympathy to you and the family.