Roger William Hennis

Roger William Hennis, aged 70, of Madelia, MN, died February 3, 2023, at Madelia Health Hospital after a brief battle with cancer.

Visitation will be Friday, February 10, 2023, from 5-7 pm at Sturm Funeral Home-Pilgrim Chapel.  Funeral Mass will be held at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Madelia on Saturday, February 11, 2023 at 10:30 am

with visitation at the funeral home one hour prior.  Burial will be held at a later date.  Arrangements are with Sturm Funeral Home-Pilgrim Chapel.  On line condolences may be left for the family at www.sturmfh.com.

Roger William Hennis was born on January 7, 1953 to Lyle and Joan (McCabe) Hennis in Madelia, MN.  He attended Mater Dolorosa Elementary School and graduated from Madelia High School with the Class of 1971.  He married Bonnie Knickrehm on May 3, 1974.  Together they raised two sons, Andy and Scott.

Roger turned a love of cars at an early age into a career.  He worked at Dick Olson Motors as a mechanic and service manager for almost 20 years.  Along with Bonnie, they decided to open their own business and started Roger’s Amoco Service.  In 1998 they built a convenience store and auto repair shop on the east end of Madelia and operated it for the next 22 years, retiring in 2020.

In addition to working on cars, Roger was a long time member of the Madelia Fire Department.  He spent many years grilling for the local Legion and VFW steak fry’s.  Roger enjoyed being a member of the Madelia community and was always willing to lend a hand whether at the ball fields, with Scouts or at St. Mary’s church. Roger enjoyed following his children’s and grandchildren’s activities including sports, car racing and other extracurricular activities.

Roger is survived by his wife of 48 years, Bonnie Hennis: children, Andrew (Suzanne Willaert) Hennis, Scott (Theresa) Hennis: grandchildren Luke (Meghan Glaubitz), Alex, Cecelia and Caroline Hennis, Cael and Caeden Willaert; sisters, Mary (Larry), Lila and Joann (Dave); brother, Larry; sister-in-law, Nancy and many nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his parents, Lyle and Joan; brother, Mark; brother-in-law, Mike and sisters-in-law, Kerry and Brandi.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the American Cancer Society or a charity of your choice in Roger’s honor.