Roger E. Strelow

Roger E. Strelow, age 88, of Alexandria, passed away unexpectedly from natural causes on Sunday, August 11, 2024, at his home. 

A memorial service will be held at 12 p.m. on Saturday, August 17, 2024, at the Lind Family Funeral Home in Alexandria. Full military honors will be accorded by the Minnesota Honor Guard, American Legion Post #87, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #936, Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter #235, and the Marine Corps League Detachment #1409. Interment will take place at a later date at Carlos Prairie Cemetery.

Visitation will be held from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., prior to the service at the funeral home.

Roger Erick Strelow was born on May 7, 1936, in Lanesboro, MN, to Erick and Margaret (Daudt) Strelow. He grew up on the family farm outside of Harmony, Minnesota, and graduated from Harmony High School in 1954. During his time in high school, he played football and basketball, and shared many good times with his classmates, with whom he kept in close touch for many years. As the years passed, he continued to visit Harmony, reminiscing about the memories he made there. After high school, he enlisted in the United States Army and served from 1955-1957. He spent time at Fort Leonard Wood, MO, and Fort Lewis, WA, as a telegraph operator. On September 28, 1958, Roger married Jacquelyn Jones at the Cresco United Methodist Church in Cresco, Iowa. They lived in Rochester, where Roger was employed at IBM for 13 years. In 1971, Roger and Jackie purchased Shady Lane Resort on Lake Carlos in Alexandria, which they operated together until 2000. Countless friendships and memories were made during these years. Roger also worked as a bus driver for Alexandria Public Schools for over 50 years and delivered papers for the Star Tribune. When he wasn’t working, Roger enjoyed bowling, horseshoes, playing cribbage, listening to polka and old country music, and watching sports and old TV shows. His favorite thing was getting together with family and friends. Roger had a natural gift for making everyone around him feel welcome and special. His warm smile, genuine friendliness and sense of humor, drew people to him, and he formed many lasting friendships over the years. Family get togethers were made more special and fun when he was there. 

He was preceded in death by his parents; siblings, Jerry Strelow, Elizabeth (Dale) Reishus, and Karen (Ron) Adair; sister-in-law, Jennifer Squires; brother-in-law, Wayne Sovereign; and his furry companion, Tumsy.

Roger is survived by his wife of 65 years, Jackie; three daughters, Kathy (Roy) Roers, Sherri Strelow, and Emily (Rich) Wilson; six grandchildren, Royce (Janelle) Roers, Kadie (Marcus) Berscheid, Bryan (Heidi) Roers, Elsa Lundblad, Korey (Jesse) Mooney, and Jake Wilson; nine great-grandchildren, Kallista and Ellie Roers, Maxwell and Colton Berscheid, Hailey, Rachel, and Cody Roers, Levi and Loretta Mooney; along with nieces, nephews, and countless friends.

He will be greatly missed by all. Salute!