Roger Lynn Block

Roger Lynn Block passed away on March 2, 2026, at home with his family following a brief illness. Born in Austin, Minnesota, to Willard “Bob” and Ruth Block on April 29, 1935, Roger graduated from Austin High School in 1953. He then enlisted in the U.S. Army and proudly served in the 82nd Airborne Division. After his military service, he returned to Minnesota and began an apprenticeship with IBM in Rochester in 1956. He retired from IBM as a Senior Tool Designer and Drafter.

Roger met his future wife, Jeannine, at his church singles group. They married in June 1961 at Notre Dame Cathedral in Montreal, Canada, and made their home in Stewartville, Minnesota. Deeply devoted to his faith, he served the St. Bernard’s church community for many years through numerous committees, the Men’s Club, teaching religious education, and as an Eucharistic minister, usher, and lector.

An avid reader, Roger enjoyed multiple daily newspapers—along with their crossword puzzles and Sudoku—as well as novels, fiction, historical fiction, biographies, and historical accounts. In his younger years he loved swimming and playing handball at the YMCA. His military experience sparked a lifelong fascination with airplanes, particularly historical military aircraft, and he enjoyed attending air shows across the Midwest with a friend.

Roger is survived by his wife of 64 years, Jeannine; their daughter Bernadette (Jim); son Dennis; granddaughters Marissa (Nick) and Nicole (Corey); and great-grandchildren April, Cadence, Paige, Brayton—who shared his birthday—Lauren, and Ashlyn. An intimate family gathering will be held at a future date to celebrate his life.