Roger H. Raeker

Roger Raeker, age 62 of rural Glenwood, died Sunday, March 9, 2025 surrounded by his family at home under the care of hospice. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, March 14th at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Glenwood with Father Joe Vandeberg officiating. Visitation will be Thursday from 5:00 - 7:00 pm at the Hoplin-Hitchcock Funeral Home in Glenwood and will continue one hour prior to the service on Friday at the church. Arrangements are with the Hoplin-Hitchcock Funeral Home in Glenwood. 

Roger Henry Raeker was born on December 28, 1962, in Ely, Minnesota, to Wilfred and Charlotte (Giles) Raeker. Roger was the third of six children, growing up in a lively and loving household. Roger's early life in Ely and Fridley was filled with the warmth of family and community. He was a member of St. Williams Church in Fridley and attended Fridley High School. After graduating from high school, Roger pursued higher education at Anoka-Ramsey Community College and The Brown Institute in Minneapolis, where he earned an associate's degree in broadcasting. He graced the airwaves in Tomah, Wisconsin, before he embarked on a long and dedicated career with Target. He spent 26 years at the Target Distribution Center in Fridley, where he was known for his hard work and good humor. After moving to Glenwood, he continued his career at American Solutions for Business for 5 years.

On January 9, 1988, Roger was united in marriage with his beloved wife, Mary Bedor, at Holy Rosary Church in Minneapolis. The couple settled in Anoka, where they spent 14 years building their life together. They later moved to Ramsey for 8 years, eventually making their home in Glenwood on Lake Gilchrist where they have lived for the past decade. Together, they raised three wonderful children, creating a family filled with love and laughter.

Roger was handy and creative; he was able to build anything he set his mind to with the help of YouTube tutorials and the assistance of his wife and kids. He loved spending time with his children and their friends, treating their friends as if they were his own, and leaving a legacy of kindness and generosity. A man of many interests, Roger found joy in the simple pleasures of life. He was an avid fisherman and golfer, relishing the time spent outdoors. His grandchildren were the light of his life, and he cherished every moment he spent with them. Roger's sense of humor was truly one-of-a-kind, and he had an uncanny ability to make people laugh, brightening the lives of everyone around him. His latest hobby job, mowing fairways at Peter's Resort, brought him immense satisfaction. Roger’s life was a testament to the joy and love he brought into the world. He died Sunday, March 9, 2025 at home surrounded by his family under the care of hospice after being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer last month.

Roger is survived by his loving wife, Mary Raeker of Glenwood; son, Stephen (Emily) Raeker; daughters, Susan (Ryan) Raeker and Charlotte "Kat" (Alexander) Holmes; grandchildren, Amelia, Malachai, Elliana, Dakota, and Viridius; a grand puppy named Xena; sisters, Mary (Dan) Raeker-Rebek and Terese (Steve) Fox; brothers, Bill (Carol) Raeker and Charlie (Michele) Raeker; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends who will miss him dearly.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his brother Peter Raeker, and his nephew Andrew Raeker.

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