Roger Joseph Reiffenberger

Roger Joseph Reiffenberger, age 75, of Alexandria passed away on November 14th, 2024, after a two-year battle with leukemia.

Funeral services will be held at The Church of St. Mary Catholic Church in Alexandria on Wednesday, December 4th at 11am with the visitation starting at 10am. A private interment will be held at Fort Snelling National Cemetery at a later date.

Roger was born in Madison, MN on August 3rd, 1949, to Norbert and Leona (Vortherns) Reiffenberger. He was baptized and confirmed at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Rosen, MN. He attended St. Joseph Catholic School in Rosen through eighth grade and graduated from Bellingham High School in 1967.

One of Roger’s claims to fame is that he took 1st place in the 1968 first ever Demolition Derby at the Lac qui Parle County Fair. In 1969 he enlisted in the Army and was stationed in Schwabisch Gmund, Germany where he was in a Pershing Missile Unit. Upon returning to the states, he worked as a machinist at Gresen Mfg. for 33 years, then North Memorial Hospital Security for 12 years. He was a volunteer fire fighter in Brooklyn Center for 20 years; two of which he was a captain. He also taught fire prevention for 15 years in elementary schools.

Roger enjoyed softball, bowling, hiking, golf and was an avid reader. He loved watching Westerns, and his favorite show was Gunsmoke. He looked forward to the annual deer hunt with his family, where they processed their own meat and played cards in the evenings. He also enjoyed his annual fishing trips to Canada with buddies Ron, Jim and Jerry. He loved telling the story of the time when they were out on the lake and a sow bear and her two cubs invaded their campsite, tore down their tent, ate all their food and drank all their beer.

In 1985, Roger married Linda West and became a father to Amy and Tim. In 2007, he married Darlene Moe, who preceded him in death. Roger became a Snowbird in 2013 in Mesa, AZ where he met his longtime partner, Sandy Jackman.

A very special thank you to his brother Leo for donating his bone marrow that extended his life for 18 plus months. Roger will be remembered for his easy-going manner, his quick wit and fun nature; as well as his willingness to help anyone in need.

Roger is survived by his partner Sandy Jackman; daughter Amy (Mike) St. Martin; son Tim West (Pam); sisters Dolores (Tom) Kirchberg, Mary (Gene) Koosmann, Karen (Bruce) Rudd; brother Leo (Lisa) Reiffenberger; sister-in-laws Joan Reiffenberger and Korinne Reiffenberger, grandchildren Alecia (Tim) LaHaye, Connor and Chase Janeksela, Shelby and Griffin St. Martin, Alexis, Tessa and Cullen West; greatgrandchildren Carter and Vaida LaHaye; numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. 

Preceded in death by parents, Norbert and Leona Reiffenberger, wife Darlene Reiffenberger; brothers Joseph, Donald and Charles Reiffenberger and niece Noelle Koosmann.

Memorials can made to the American Cancer Society, St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital or a charity of your choice.