Roger F. Riley

By a mere 11 minutes, Roger “Rog” Fredrick Riley was the youngest child born to Raymond & Ethel (Fredrickson) Riley on May 5th, 1941. He grew up in the Twin Cities with his twin, Ronald “Ron,” and older brother, James “Jim”. He graduated from South St. Paul High School in 1959 and began his 48 year career in the construction industry. Throughout his career, Rog designed, built or renovated a countless number of apartment complexes, shopping malls, banks and residential homes. His work can still be seen throughout the twin cities & beyond.

On May 10th, 1963, he married Barbara “Barb” Jean Crosby of St. Paul Park. They were blessed with a daughter, Colleen, and son, Thomas “Tom,” and continued to grow in their love for each other and for the Lord. In the late 1970s, they, along with six other families, began their own church in the basement of the Riley home. They were instrumental in creating a new place for people to find God and connection with others. Rog & Barb remained active members at Peace Lutheran until they retired to Alexandria in April of 2007.

Roger played just as hard as he worked. He found great joy in golf, tennis, softball, volleyball, as well as both downhill and water skiing. While raising their kids, Rog & Barb enjoyed the sunshine & fishing at cabins in Prior Lake, Alexandria & Milltown, Wisconsin. They also loved to host volleyball parties, where Rog perfected his kabob making skills. In the 1990s and 2000s they enjoyed yearly trips to Florida. The beautiful walks on the beach as well as warm weather made it the perfect getaway from the Minnesota winters.

After years of using his body to the fullest, Roger’s physical health began to deteriorate in the late 2000s. Softball home runs and water skiing on Lake Le Homme Dieu became beautiful memories but he turned his focus back to one of his first loves: Music. He and Barb sang at many weddings, funerals, church services & other events over the years. Few things brought him more joy than making music, especially with those he loved. He sang in the sanctuary choir at First Lutheran and founded a trio & quartet throughout the years and led both groups in scheduling rehearsals & performances. “The Gospel Four” continued to practice at Bethany On The Lake when Roger entered into hospice care and continued until the day before his passing.

After moving to Alexandria, Rog very quickly got connected while making music at First Lutheran Church, volunteering with “Readers Theater” at area elementary schools & spending time at Alexandria Golf Club, including as president & a board member.

Roger was a lover of life & wanted to share that with everyone he met. He achieved minor celebrity status when he was named “King of the Scones” by the local newspaper. He loved to make the delicious pastries & deliver them throughout the community. He also loved to send valentines to loved ones after sending them down to get a special stamp in Loveland, Colorado, The Sweetheart City.

Roger began his eternal life with our Lord & Jesus Christ on Friday, October 31st after 11 months of incredible care with Moments Hospice & Bethany On The Lake.

He is preceded in death by parents Raymond & Ethel; In-laws Gordon Sr. & Helen Crosby; son Tom; brother Jim; sister-in-laws Janet Riley, Gereldine Riley & Janet Holzemer; & brother-in-laws Richard Crosby, David Crosby, Gordon Crosby Jr., Jim Holzemer & Paul Haas.

He is survived by his devoted wife of 62 years, Barb, of Alexandria; Daughter, Colleen (Dan) Rooney of Alexandria; five grandchildren: Aaron (Bailee) Rooney of Alexandria, Brittany (John) Lupkes of Plymouth, Nicole (Don) Judkins of Montevideo, Megan (Mike) Peine of Hampton & Leandra Riley of Eagan; ten great grandchildren; twin brother Ron of Arden Hills; sister-in-laws Sarah Crosby of Woodbury & Carol Haas of Manitowoc, WI & many nieces and nephews.

A celebration of life will be held at First Lutheran in Alexandria on Tuesday, November 18th. Visitation will begin at 11:00 AM. A service will be at 1:00 PM with lunch to follow. All are welcome to come, sing & celebrate the life of Roger.

Memorials can be directed to First Lutheran, Bethany On The Lake & Moments Hospice.

Arrangements are with Anderson Funeral Home.