Lois Jean (Engesser) Roggow

Life-long St. Peter resident Lois Jean (Engesser) Roggow, age 92, passed away on Saturday, June 27, 2020 at the Benedictine Living Community. Her funeral service will be held at St. Peter Lutheran Church on Friday, July 3, 2020 at 3:00 p.m., with visitation two hours prior (1:00-3:00), also at the church.  NOTE: Face masks will be required in the church and the service may also be streamed on the internet (contact any family member for details).  Burial will be in Greenhill Cemetery in St. Peter. The St. Peter Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

Lois was born in St. Peter on May 7, 1928 to Alfred and Marie (Jacobson) Engesser. She graduated from St. Peter High School in 1946. Lois married the love of her life, Melvin C. Roggow, on December 21, 1947 at the St. Peter (Evangelical) Lutheran Church and together they had four children. Lois held several jobs including Nurse’s  Aide at the Community Hospital (where she met Mel and married him just 3 months later), waitressing at the Holiday House, Assistant Cook at North Elementary School, and her longest-held position as a Sales Clerk at Swedberg Drug.  In her later years she provided daycare for close family and friends.

Lois was involved in several women’s fellowship groups at her church and sang in the church choir. She enjoyed needlework, ceramics, playing cards and board games, fishing, camping, and going for coffee/lunch with her friends. More than anything she treasured her time with family, and she loved her role as “Nana” to her 7 grandchildren who knew her to be silly, tender, thoughtful, patient, kind, and a great purveyor of hugs!  She perfected that role when 6 great grandchildren came along who know her as “Great Nana”—she was indeed great!  She was also a wonderful cook and there was always room at her table for anyone who stopped by. Lois accepted everyone as equal and lovable and she touched so many lives with her friendly nature and positive, encouraging attitude.  She was a beautiful example of love on earth and has returned now to be one with love again.

Lois is survived by her children, Thomas and Diane (Porter) Roggow, Brian Roggow, daughter-in-law, Denise (Guimond) Roggow, and Denise and Scott Lager; grandchildren, Kathryn (Frank), Jen (Andrew), Jason, Travis (Kattie), Rob (Kristine), Rachel (Mike), and Isaac (Lexie); 6 great-grandchildren; sister-in-law, Maxine Pithan, and godchild, Trudy (Myhra) Thelemann as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins and dear friends.  She was preceded in death by her husband, Melvin in 2002; infant son, Michael; her parents; her sister, Beverly Gansen and her brother, Willard Engesser.