Roger A. Blake

Roger A. Blake, 78 year old resident of Little Falls, MN, passed away peacefully on Saturday, August 12, 2023, at Edenbrook Care Center in St. Cloud, MN. A Mass of Christian Burial will be on Thursday, August 17, 2023, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Little Falls, at 11:00 A.M. with Father Patrick Hoeft officiating. Visitation will be one hour prior, from 10 to 11 A.M., at the church. Burial will take place at St. Mary’s Parish Cemetery following the Mass. Caring for Roger and his family is the Shelley Funeral Chapel of Little Falls. Roger was born on October 26, 1944, to the late Edward A. Blake and Marie (Benson) Blake. He attended St. Mary’s School, Little Falls High School, and later Brainerd Technical College. During his life, Roger worked at many places, including Sanitary Bakery as a route driver, Webway in St. Cloud, Wal-Mart and Hilmerson RV as a custodian. Roger also worked at St. Francis Health Center as a custodian and in the dietary department. On April 12, 1980, Roger married Mary M. Erwin, a teacher, and together they spent many happy years in their home, enjoying the company of friends, family and numerous pets. Roger and Mary enjoyed hosting foreign exchange students for two years, which eventually led them to a trip to China hosted by the parents of one student. In 2014 Roger was stricken by a stroke which confined him to a wheelchair; however, he was able to be home after much rehab. Roger had many interests, including fishing, listening to Elvis Presley and classic country western music, traveling, going to dinner at restaurants, and classic cars. Roger also loved visiting with people and would strike up a conversation with anyone. He served as an usher at St. Mary’s Church for many years. Roger is survived by his loving wife of 43 years, Mary Blake; brother, David (Colette) Blake of Napa, CA; sister, Pam (Bob) Houle of Nisswa, MN; uncle, Jerome Benson of Little Falls, MN, and many nieces, nephews, cousins, great-nieces and nephews, a great-great niece; his pet dogs, Oscar, Susi and Rosie, and his cat, Charlie. Roger was preceded in death by his parents, Ed and Marie Blake; and uncles and aunts, Robert and Virginia Brown, Clarence and Helen Benson, and Collette Benson. Roger, you will be missed but you are at peace and with the Lord and always in our hearts.

Tributes

Roger A. Blake

October 26, 1944 - August 12, 2023