Service Information
Roger D. Klinghagen, age 78, of Hutchinson, Minnesota, passed away Thursday, November 18, 2021, at Bethesda in Willmar, Minnesota.
Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, November 27, 2021, at 11:00 A.M. at Vineyard United Methodist Church in Hutchinson, Minnesota.
Gathering of Family and Friends will be held on Friday, November 26, 2021, from 4:00-7:00 P.M at Dobratz-Hantge Funeral Chapel in Hutchinson and will continue two hours prior to the service at the church.
Obituary
Roger Dean Klinghagen was born on March 18, 1943, in Lennox, South Dakota. He was the son of Lester and Bernice (Reiners) Klinghagen, and the step son of Wilfred Wilts. Roger was baptized as an infant, and later confirmed in the Christian faith at Germantown Presbyterian Church, Chancellor, South Dakota.
Roger graduated from Lennox High School in 1961 and continued life-long learning in business, electronics, public speaking, and religion. He joined the US Navy in the fall of 1961 but received medical discharge for hearing loss shortly after arriving at basic training.
On July 18, 1962, Roger was united in marriage to Marie Syrovatka at the First Christian Church in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. They shared 59 years of marriage and were blessed with two sons, Justin and Jason. Roger and Marie also fostered her two brothers, Dean and John. They resided in the Hutchinson area for more than 50 years.
Roger began working from an early age on the family farm, then construction, sales and management. He was brought to Hutchinson with Continental Oil to manage one of their early station stores. In 1969, he became a business owner with “Klink’s North Star Station” on Main Street in Hutchinson and later Crow Chemical and Lighting on Highway 12 East, in Willmar. He enjoyed sales and accounting and had a great love for people.
Roger was a sports enthusiast. He played high school football and American Legion baseball. As an adult he bowled, golfed, played softball, volleyball, and broomball. He hunted, fished, and enjoyed the wildlife on his hobby farm. He also coached a South Dakota women’s softball team and his sons’ youth football teams.
He was one of the organizers of the local BPO Elks Lodge and was a state director and advisor for their “Hoop Shoot” free throw contest. Roger was active in Vineyard United Methodist Church, serving in many areas and as Lay Speaker. He became the District Director of Lay Speaking, and then the State Director, going on to help organize the United Methodist National Association of Lay Speakers, serving as its first president. Roger received many awards for his organizational leadership.
Roger loved music and young people. He led “God Gave the Song” music ministry, leading worship services all over the state. Roger provided adult leadership for the Bear Lake Beavers 4H Club and coached their softball team. His happiest moments came with being a dad and grandfather.
Roger began a second career late in life as Chaplain for Ecumen and Meeker Manor in Litchfield. His faith in Christ enabled him to serve his community in a new way, which impacted the lives of many. His humbleness, kindness, and friendship will forever bless us.
Roger passed away on Thursday, November 18, 2021, at Bethesda Grand in Willmar, Minnesota at the age of 78 years.
Blessed be his memory.
Roger is survived by his
Wife, Marie Klinghagen of Hutchinson, MN;
Sons, Justin Klinghagen and his wife, Leia,
Jason Klinghagen and his wife, Dani,
Grandsons, Jacob and Casey Klinghagen;
Step Granddaughter, Sierra Arradondo;
Brother, Rodney Klinghagen and his wife, Arla;
Sister, Barbara Stewart and her husband, Charles;
Step Siblings, Jerry Wilts,
Lee Wilts and his wife, Carol,
Wendell Wilts and his wife, Denise,
Patty Ainsworth and her husband, Stan,
Barbara Deville and her husband, Greg;
Brother-in-law, Alvin Steever and his wife, Terri;
Many other nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.
Roger is preceded in death by his Parents, Lester and Bernice Klinghagen; Sisters, Gloria Steever, Darlene Klinghagen; Step-father, Wilfred Wilts; Step-brother, Jim Wilts; Niece, Paula Steever; Foster Sons, Dean and John Syrovatka.
Larry and Colleen says
Oh Marie, Justin, Jason and family.,.. so sorry to hear about Roger! Such a good person and friend! Our sympathies and prayers to you.
Larry and Colleen
Sheila+Steffen says
Marie and family I so so sorry for you loss. You are in my prayers. Sheila Steffen
Jackie Smith says
Marie and family, I am so very sorry to hear of Roger’s passing. He was always one of Larry and my favorite people. My sympathies to the entire family.
Jackie Smith
Michael Connor says
My and prayers thoughts go to Marie and all of Roger’s family…..Roger was one of those that the organization of Hutchinson Elks #2427 brought together, he was a cornerstone in the organizing and institution of the Lodge….will always remember when we met in the basement of the Marson Hotel, Roger had to cut a foot off the flagpoles so we could stand them up in the low basement ceiling….can remember Roger ‘carrying’ the Lodge in the trunk of his car between meetings at the Marson….his cheerful attitude, smile and enthusiasm held us together as the Lodge grew and matured……most of all I will always remember ‘Klink’ as my friend, he truly was an ‘American Gentle-Man’…..may he rest in peace and let perpetual light shine upon him…..Mike and Ellen Connor
Corinne Hable says
You may not know me- but I knew Roger, and I can just hear him singing “There Will be Peace in the Valley”.
Blessed be his memory!
Gerry Moen says
Roger was such an easy person to work with when he would give devotions at the former Emmaus Gift Shop committee meetings at Ecumen in Litchfield. If you had to ask for something at the last minute he was always there. God Gave the Song provided morning worship many times at Ostmark Lutheran Church and he was such a great leader for this ministry. His pleasant smile and attitude will be missed.
Tom and Deb Holtz says
We were blessed to have first met Roger when he brought God Gave the Song to Ostmark and later as Chaplain at Ecumen and Meeker Manor. Blessed be his memory.
Pat Klapotz says
My sympathy to your family. I loved listening to Roger sing. I Always had a nice visit with him when I worked at Emmaus Place.
Pat Klapotz
Donna(Ondracek)Engelen says
Our sympathies to all of you. I used to get my dance wax from Roger:
Michael Connor says
Good evening, I sent come personal comments to this site for posting on my good friend Roger Klinghagen…….these were sent two or three days ago….would appreciate your checking if they have been received & if so please have them posted.
thank you,
Michael Connor
Devils Lake, ND
701-662-9438
Gary & Roberta Gehlen says
Marie & Family,
We are so sorry to here about Roger’s passing. He was a GREAT man and will be missed. He touch so many lives.
Karen Hoffmann says
We got to know Roger when he was Chaplain at Ecumen and Meeker Manor when my Mom was a resident there and she loved his sermons and singing. He also sang at her funeral. May you find comfort and strength from your wonderful memories. May God bless his wife and all his family. Blessed be his memory.
Karen & Larry Hoffmann
Ronald Dean Peters says
Marie and family, Sending our sincere condolences and prayers for you during this time of loss of your loved one. We’ll be thinking of you and praying for comfort and strength in the days ahead. Ronald and Darlene Peters
Jeanie Shoultz Doran says
Roger touched so many lives when he served as our Chaplain at the old Emmanuel Home, Ecumen, and Meeker Manor for many years. He brought comfort, solace, and friendship to both residents and staff, with personal visits, and many, many special services: Sunday, Advent/Christmas(Ministerial singers), Lent/Easter, Memorial services, and funerals. Roger had the gift of bringing out the best in people, wherever he was. He was devoted to his two grandsons, bringing them along to Sunday services(with Marie) to help with the services.
Roger had a fun loving side and would occasionally insert some very humorous anecdotes into his sermons and casual conversations.
We will be having a “Remembrance, Memorial” service at Meeker Manor in December, for our residents and staff. Marie, dear lady, you have all our love and thanks for sharing Roger with us. Know that we will all be united again in that everlasting joy that God has prepared for his devoted people. We can put together a choir and Roger will be there singing his favorite songs. Peace, Joy, and Love to the family and friends of Roger.
Larry Graf says
Marie and family. So sorry to hear of Roger’s passing. A true gentleman. We had many wonderful conversations. He touched many people. It’s wonderful to know he’s been welcomed in the arms of his Savior.
Andrea (Boll) Benson says
I was so sorry to hear about the passing of Roger! He was always so kind and sweet. He will be missed by many!