Roger Graetz 10/19/2024

Roger Graetz, age 77, passed away peacefully with family by his side on Saturday, October 19, 2024 at Kinnic Health and Rehab in River Falls, WI.
Roger was born to John and Alice Graetz (Brenner) on May 6, 1947, in Red Wing, Minnesota. He and his older sister Mary grew up on the family farm in the Big River area of Oak Grove Township and attended St. Mary’s Parish School. Roger attended Prescott High School where he graduated in 1965.
Roger met the love of his life, Judy Simon, and were married at St. Bridget Catholic Church in River Falls, WI on June 7th, 1969. Mr. and Mrs. Graetz settled in River Falls and Roger served in the Army National Guard while starting a career at Andersen Windows. Roger and Judy were blessed with and raised four children. Together they enjoyed following their children’s musical, sporting, and school activities along with fishing on nearby lakes, eventually purchasing a cabin up north. Roger was an avid sports fan, cheering for a variety of teams including the Packers, Brewers, Bucks, Badgers, and local sports teams. He enjoyed coaching youth baseball, playing fantasy football, and was an accomplished pool player.
In 2002, Roger retired early from Andersen’s as a quality assurance inspector after 35 years of service. In retirement, Roger and Judy moved to their lake home on Long Lake in Centuria, WI. Roger had a deep passion for fishing, and along with Judy they enjoyed daily pontoon rides, socializing with the neighbors on the lake, and eventually following all of their grandchildren’s sports and activities.
Roger is survived by his beloved wife of 55 years, Judy; 4 children, including Jon Graetz (Kay), Matt Graetz (Beth), Jackie Nugent (Keith), and Brad Graetz (Kristi); 11 grandchildren, including Justin & Ethan Graetz (Jon), Mason, Logan, & Haley Graetz (Matt), Zachary, Kaitlyn, & Carson Nugent (Jackie), Brayden, Brody, & Blake Graetz (Brad); several sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law; and many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents John and Alice Graetz, and sister Mary Whitman.
On behalf of the Graetz Family, a special thank you to all of the nursing home staff at Kinnic Health and Rehab for the kindness, loving care and friendship so freely given to Roger and Judy.
A Memorial Service was held on Thursday, October 24, 2024 at 11:00 AM at Bakken-Young Funeral & Cremation Services (805 E Division Street River Falls WI 54022) with lunch following.
A Visitation was held on Wednesday, October 23, 2024 from 4:00-8:00 PM at Bakken-Young Funeral & Cremation Services and one hour prior to the service on Thursday. Interment will be in St. Bridget Catholic Cemetery at a later date. Arrangements are with Bakken-Young Funeral & Cremation Services.

Click here to watch the recording of Roger’s service.