Roger Dallas Garnatz

Roger Dallas Garnatz 63 of Duluth, MN, formerly of Rochester, MN died unexpectedly Sunday September 14, 2014 at Essentia Health center in Duluth MN.

Roger was born September 11, 1951 to Dallas and Ruth (Stender) Garnatz in Preston. Roger grew up in Lanesboro graduating from Lanesboro High School in 1969. He then attended Austin Vocational technical college graduating from their carpentry program in 1971. Roger was baptized at St John's Lutheran Church in Wykoff and confirmed at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Lanesboro. Roger went on to be a very skilled carpenter and was the manager at Fullerton lumber in Lanesboro for many years. He then worked for Spring Valley Lumber and Larson Homes of Rochester before becoming self employed. Roger was very active in sports during and after school playing basketball, softball, and was on bowling leagues for many years. Roger was very active in Boy Scouts through the years and earned many awards. He was also a troop leader for the Gamehaven council of Boy Scouts for many years.

Roger was very proud that he bought his first house with the money he saved from delivering papers. He loved remodeling houses and helping family and friends build additions and garages. His hobbies included hunting, fishing, working in his shop building sheds, picnic tables, and bird houses, and canning pickles and tomatoes.

Roger married Susan Williams of Austin on September 23 1972 at Grace Lutheran church in Austin. They had 4 children together and were later divorced.

Roger is survived by 1 daughter, Angie Coughlin (fiancé Joe Samora) of Austin, and 3 sons, Daniel of Austin, Brian of La Crosse wi, and Travis (Jen) of Byron. 1 granddaughter Felicia Clark of Austin, 1 grandson Owen Garnatz of Byron. 1 great granddaughter Haydynn Clark of Austin. Mother Ruth of Lanesboro, Brother Gary (Faith) of Superior, Wisconsin, many nieces and nephews, and former wives Susan Kellogg of Stewartville, Donna Kolden of Spring Valley, Diane Mueller of Rochester, and Janice Jacobson of Eagan.  He was preceded in death by his father Dallas and brother Myron.

A Funeral Service will be at 7:00 PM on Thursday September 18,  at Johnson-Riley Funeral Home in Lanesboro with Pastor Gary Garnatz officiating.  Visitation will be from 5:00 - 7:00 on Thursday, also at the funeral home.  A committal service will take place at a later date.  In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred.

Johnson-Riley Funeral Home in Lanesboro, Minnesota is assisting the family with arrangements.   To share condolences with the family, please visit rileyfuneralhomes.com