Obituary of Jerome Roettger

Jerome “Jerry” N. Roettger of Duluth, MN, age 90, died peacefully with his family by his side on August 9, 2021.

Jerry was born on October 28, 1930, in Stillwater, MN to Ivan Sr. and Evelyn (Bergquist) Roettger. He was always very proud of his birthplace and his ears perked up when he heard anything related to Stillwater. Jerry graduated from Stillwater High School in 1948 and served in the U.S. National Guard for two years beginning in 1951. Jerry followed in the footsteps of his father who was a lineman for Northern States Power and who died on the job at the age of 40. Following his service, Jerry used his military benefits to attend Gustavus Adolphus College before transferring to the University of Minnesota to earn his Bachelor of Electrical Engineering degree.

Jerry was born and raised in Stillwater but called Duluth home for more than 60 years. He married his wife Anna (Johnson) Roettger on August 12, 1961. While deep down, Jerry was more comfortable at home, he married an adventurous woman who kept him traveling regularly, both in the United States and internationally. He found his “happy place” in Munich, Germany at Oktoberfest where he attended the annual celebration several times, including once with his daughters. Jerry also enjoyed summers at the family cabin on Sand Lake in Moose Lake, Minnesota. An engineer by training, Jerry was well equipped to fix almost anything, and there were always more than enough projects at the “work farm” (as he called it) to keep him busy.

Jerry was a dedicated employee of Minnesota Power for almost 35 years, starting as an Assistant Engineer and working his way up to General Manager of the Central Division at the time of his retirement in 1992. He proudly wore his Minnesota Power “At Your Service” hat throughout his retirement.

In addition to his contributions to Minnesota Power, he also served terms as President of the following organizations: the Arena Auditorium Administrative Board, the Kiwanis Club of Friendly Duluth and the Bayfront Park Development Association. Jerry and Anna are also longtime members of First Lutheran Church and the Kitchi Gammi Club in Duluth.

Jerry is survived by his wife Anna of 60 years; his two daughters Jane Taffe, Amy Roettger and son-in-law Gerald Taffe; three beloved grandchildren Matthew (Dyani), Michael and Sara Taffe; as well as two great-grandchildren, Brayden and Anniston. He was preceded in death by his parents and siblings Ivan Jr., Joan (Rodgers) and Roger Roettger.

A celebration of life will be held at 11:00 am on Thursday, August 19 at First Lutheran Church in Duluth, Minnesota. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Essentia Health – Moose Lake Foundation, the Alzheimer’s Association, a charity of your choice or a simple “Prost!” while enjoying your favorite cold beer. Jerry’s family would like to thank the medical teams at Essentia Health-Moose Lake and St Croix Hospice for the incredible and compassionate care that he received. A private family internment will be held at Sunrise Memorial Park Cemetery.