Roger Paul Heimgartner

Roger Heimgartner, 77, of Rushford, died Friday, October 4, 2024.

Roger Paul Heimgartner was born to Robert and Lillian (McAfee) August 23, 1947, in Springfield Ill. He attended Altamont High School in Illinois, and Concordia Teachers University River Forest, Chicago, Ill. In 1970, he took his first divine call to Holy Cross Lutheran School and St John’s Lutheran Church in Austin, Minn.️ 

Working on a member’s farm, he rode his motorcycle and met his future wife, Brenda Hartwig. They were married at St John’s in 1972. Later that year he took a call to be principal and teach at St. Peter’s Lutheran School near Gibbon, Minn. Roger went on to serve as principal and teacher and sometimes, youth director in St. John’s, Arnold, Mo., St John’s, Willow Creek near Vernon Center, Minn., and St. Martin’s Church and School, Winona, Minn.

In 1986 the family moved to their current acreage near Rushford. In 1990 he started working part time for Minnesota State Parks. He became a park naturalist at Beaver Creek Valley, Forestville, and Blue Mounds state parks. He served as manager or assistant manager at Beaver Creek Valley, Rice Lake, Kilen Woods, and Whitewater state parks. After retiring in 2012 he returned to teach at Hope Lutheran High School, Winona, as a full-time teacher for one year and continued to substitute teach until 2019. 

Roger had a variety of gifts and passions! He would first describe himself as a Christian, and a teacher, but also was a defender of the underdog and all children, student of the natural world, amateur magician, juggler, beekeeper, maple syrup gatherer, hunting dog trainer, land steward, and inventor. His humble beginnings made him the ultimate upcycler. Neighbors would find that special item occasionally at their own “Rog’s Salvage and Hardware.”

Generations of students can attest to his unique appreciation of God’s creation. All three of his children were inspired to careers in science. He treasured Brenda’s farmer’s market gig and a seat next to her at the Commonweal Theater. He enjoyed hosting student events and RASA cast parties, training good hunting dogs, campfire stories, well-fitting hats, walks on the prairie and the occasional cigar.

He was preceded in death by his parents Rev. Robert and Lillian Heimgartner of Vandalia, Ill., and his sister Marian and James Wunderlich of Missouri. Also by sister-in-law Shari (Christians) Heimgartner of Round Lake Minn., and sister-in-law Debbie (Hartwig) Schammel of Rose Creek, Minn.

He leaves his wife Brenda, children Paul and Heidi Heimgartner, Blooming Prairie; Joy Heimgartner and Rollin Dubbs, Rochester; and Katie and Matt Potter of Toelle, Utah; grandchildren Luke and Jonathan Heimgartner, and Joshua, Anna and Grace Potter.

Siblings include Janice and Marvin Tappendorf, Altamont Ill.; Ruth Ann and David Smith, Altamont, Ill.; Gail and Julie Heimgartner of Illinois.; Donald and Denise Heimgartner, Manson, Iowa; Timothy and Trina Heimgartner, Marshalltown, Iowa; Lenora and Duane Kazemba of Jackson, Minn.; Stephen and Paula Heimgartner of Hot Springs, S. Dak.; James and Kelly Heimgartner of Eldorado, Ky.; and Diana and Nathan Opfer of Vandalia, Ill. Many nieces and nephews, grandnieces and nephews, cousins, special neighbors and community friends mourn the loss of Roger.

Pall bearers will be Darrell Multhaup, Rocky Sandcork, Charlie Mueller, Hamilton Petersen, Wayne Rye and Vern Bunke.

Funeral service will be 11 a.m., Saturday, October 12, 2024, at St. John’s Lutheran Church at Hart, 31497 Hwy 43, Rushford, Minn.  Visitation will be 4-7 p.m., Friday at Hoff Funeral & Cremation Service – Rushford, with a time of sharing and remembrance at 7 p.m.  Visitation will continue one hour prior to the service at church.  He will be laid to rest at 3 p.m. at Oakwood Cemetery in Austin, Minn., 1800 4th Street NW, Austin, Minn.

Hoff Funeral & Cremation Service – Rushford is assisting the family with arrangements.  www.hofffuneral.com.