Roger Dykema

Roger Dykema, 99, formerly of Raymond, died Saturday, June 28th at The Galeon in Osakis. His memorial service will be 11:00 am, Friday, July, 11th at Harvey Anderson Funeral Home in Willmar. Visitation will be one hour prior to his service. Interment with Military Honors will be at Fairview Cemetery in Raymond. www.hafh.org 

Roger Owen Dykema was born December 1, 1925, to Simon and Gertrude (Bruggers) Dykema in Willmar. He graduated from Raymond High School in 1943. Shortly after graduation, Roger enlisted in the U.S. Navy where he served as a tail gunner in a B24 Bomber based in the Philippine Islands during WWII. Roger was proud of his service in the Navy, and he liked to remind people that the Marines got the glory, the Army got the work, but the Navy got the pay! After his honorable discharge, Roger started working at his family’s hardware store in Raymond, where he developed his skills in plumbing. Roger attended Dunwoody College, where he learned more about furnaces. Roger then served Raymond and the surrounding area in the plumbing and heating business for many years.

Roger was united in marriage to Carolyn Goeman on August 3, 1951, at the United Methodist Church in Raymond where they were lifelong members. Raymond was their home where they raised their four sons, Bradley, James, Paul and David. He enjoyed taking the family on fishing trips to Leech Lake, tapping maple trees to make syrup, wood carving and making brain teaser puzzles. Roger was the church treasurer for a time and he and Carolyn volunteered at a thrift store in Willmar. Roger was a member of the Raymond American Legion for 80 years. He was a loving husband, father, grandpa and friend.

Roger is survived by his four sons: Brad (and Maureen) of Madison, James (and Helen) of Alexandria, Paul (and Elaine) of Roseville and David (and Laurie) of Osakis; nine grandchildren: Tara, Reid, Diana, Brady, Danielle, Joseph, Ruslan, Dinara, and Tia; seven great-grandchildren; several brothers and sisters-in-law; nieces, nephews and other family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his loving wife, Carolyn, who passed away December 27, 2023; his parents, brother Roland, and sister Eleanor.

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