Roger Ridgeway

As a result of current restrictions on gatherings, we are providing HeartStrings, our online sympathy message where you can upload a photo and write a note or share a memory that will be printed and given to the family. Please click here to send your support.

Roger Bruce Ridgeway died on Tuesday, March 2nd 2021 at age 86 of natural causes. He was a graduate of Park High School, an Eagle Scout and attended the U of MN. While serving in the U.S. Army, Roger was stationed at Fort Richardson, Alaska where he became an expert skier. Roger’s life was full of endless enthusiasm for many passions; photography, poetry, baking, guitar, harmonica, beekeeping, maple sugaring, birding, sailing, ceramics, cartography, horticulture, farming, foreign language, aeronautics and auto restoration to name a few. Above all else was his deep love and affection for family, friends and strangers alike.

Roger owned and operated the Ridgeway Roofing company, then joined the IBEW local union 110, where he worked as an electrician for many years.

Roger was born October 25th, 1934 in St. Paul, MN. He is preceded in death by his parents, Ruel and Lorraine (Schmidt) Ridgeway and two sisters; Donna and Marilyn. Roger is survived by his 4 children and their partners; Christopher (Becca), Adam (Anna), Aeron (Sarah), and Angela (Sam); 3 grandchildren; Sydney, Eloise and Tallulah; sister, Clarice (Angelo); nephews and dear friends.

Private family memorial service 10:15 AM with public visitation beginning at 11:30-1:20 PM, Monday, April 5, 2021 at Kok Funeral Home, 7676 80th St. S., Cottage Grove, MN, 55016. Interment to follow at Fort Snelling National Cemetery. For those not in attendance for Roger's memorial service it will be available via livestream beginning at 10:10 AM (below this obituary). If you have trouble viewing the livestream or this time does not work for you, it will be available later Monday afternoon for viewing at your convenience.

If desired, memorial contributions can be made to Regions Hospital Pediatric Burn Center, rhf@healthpartners.com

“Go Forth, and I’ll see you on the 5th.” - Roger Ridgeway

While maintaining social distancing guidelines, we are now able to accommodate gatherings while abiding to a 50% capacity at the facility, which is 70 people. The use of face masks by attendees is required at indoor events, and we will continue taking the necessary steps to keep your families safe. Expressions of sympathy during this time can be left on the condolences page available on the obituary portion on our website. We also encourage you to view the video tribute once it becomes available or complete the HeartStrings online sympathy page with the link above.