
Roger Minkus

ROGER MINKUS
April 29, 1942 โ January 24, 2025
Roger was born April 29th, 1942 in Neepawa, Manitoba to Charlie and Beatrice Minkus.
Roger leaves to mourn: his children, Brent (Roberta) Minkus and Kristen (Greg) Hart; as well as his grandchildren, Jessica and Cassandra Minkus, and Nicholas and Christopher Hart.
He is survived by his two brothers: Murray (Kathy) and Gary (Judy) Minkus; and three sisters: Dolores Minkus Hofley, Donna (Brian) Minkus, and Joanne Minkus; as well as several nephews and nieces who have lost a beloved family member. Roger will be sorely missed by his spouse Lynne Lechner; and his step sons, Brent (Debbie) and Reid (Alicia) Lechner; and his step grandson, Logan Lechner.
Roger was the fifth son born to the family and so wasnโt needed as much on the family farm. He helped with most of the household chores growing up and had lots of happy memories of his childhood. His turn came to help out on the farm in the summers as an adult.
Due to his time spent as an Air Cadet, Roger learned to fly and even got to solo. Roger was excited to signal his family as he flew over their farm. He loved flying but, unfortunately was unable to pursue this love. Another of his life adventures was working at a mine in Thompson one year where he and his lifelong friend, Fred Gutoski, lived outdoors in canvas and wood shelters.
Roger got his first degree in the Phys-Ed program at the University of Manitoba, where he was recognized on the Bison Walkway of Honour for track & field, and then entered Normal School to train as a teacher. His first teaching position was in Medora where he boarded with Murray and Margaret Stewart who also became lifelong friends.
The remainder of his teaching career was spent in River East School Division where he began as a teacher, then a Vice Principal. After receiving his Masters of Education in Middle Years in Laramie, Wyoming, Roger spent the remainder of his career as a Principal at Munroe Junior High, Princess Margaret Elementary and Birds Hill Elementary.
Roger was a staunch advocate of the rights of the children in his care and they were his number one priority. He was an excellent leader, inspiring the teachers he worked with to learn and grow as professionals by giving them the opportunities to do so. Roger had several lifelong friends from Neepawa and his years in River East. His warmth, loving hugs, and persistent encouragement and appreciation of both hard work and fun will be profoundly missed.
Upon his retirement, Roger and Lynne moved out to five acres in the Oakbank area where Roger would have the facilities and space to indulge in two of his favourite hobbies, restoring old vehicles and gardening. They lived there for 15 very happy years, entertaining family and friends frequently.
Roger loved road trips, taking his children through parts of the United States and to the Maritimes. He and Lynne travelled through North and South Dakota down to Wyoming. They also drove to BC and over to Vancouver Island. Later they made driving trips to Texas and New Orleans. After flying to Fort Lauderdale, they rented a car and drove all through the Florida Keys. They also vacationed in Mexico, Cuba and Hawaii. As Roger began to display memory difficulties, he and Lynne decided to move back to the city into a home that would be easier to maintain. Shortly before the move, Roger experienced the first of his three strokes.
With the support of the Family Managed Care program, Roger was able to remain at home for several years. When that support was no longer sufficient for his needs, Roger was urgently placed in the Actionmarguerite St. Boniface care home where he was very well cared for by compassionate and dedicated staff.
Rogerโs family kindly requests that all of his friends and relatives take a few minutes to honour his memory by sharing photos, memories, and stories, using the comment section on this page.
โ
ETHICAL DEATH CARE
Cremation & Life Celebrations
530 St. Mary Avenue - Winnipeg
204-421-5501 - www.ethicaldeathcare.com
โ
Memories, Stories and Condolences
Please share a story, photo, memory or condolence for the family by completing the form below and clicking "Post Comment"
Thank you for your comment!
30 Comments
↑ Both fields are required ↓
Candice Holmstrom
March 7, 2025 at 6:56 PM
Uncle Roger was my favorite uncle. I will cherish the memories I had of our family times in Perrault Falls and my Aunt Bernie and their home in Winnipeg and the times with my cousins Brent and Kristen. I am sorry for the Minkus family loss. Rest in peace my Uncle Roger. With much love.

Describe your image

Describe your image

Describe your image

Describe your image

Lenay Gutoski
February 20, 2025 at 1:05 PM
Rest in Peace Roger. You were a lifelong friend of my Dad and our family. Memories of growing up, getting to see the Minkus's, the hayrides, the laughs. Hugs to all of the family. Wishing you all peace and great memories of your father and our friend.

Describe your image

Describe your image

Describe your image

Describe your image

Susan Melnick ( Siwek )
February 15, 2025 at 11:06 PM
I was very sad to read of Roger's passing. I taught in RESD and got to know him before he became the Principal of my school, Princess Margaret. I met some very fine people during my career and Roger stood out among the finest. I always knew he and Lynne were such a perfect match. I send my condolences to Roger's family and friends ; especially to you, Lynne. โฅ๏ธ

Describe your image

Describe your image

Describe your image

Describe your image

Charlynn Sparkes
February 10, 2025 at 11:42 PM
Very saddened to hear of Rogerโs passing. It was great working with himโฆhe always had a smile and a great sense of humour. My condolences to the family for your loss. Time goes too fast when we lose someone we love. Lynne, my deepest condolences to you. Thinking about you. ๐

Describe your image

Describe your image

Describe your image

Describe your image

Richard Thomas Hofley
February 6, 2025 at 8:46 PM
My uncle Roger was my "favorite" uncle throughout my life. Warm, welcoming and always interested in my life. He was a man that I looked up to. Honest smiles, hearty handshakes with acceptance and realness in his ways.
Always glad to bum smokes to him.
I watched him move around others and be the great soul that he was and still remains.



Jeannette Kasprick
February 6, 2025 at 3:40 PM
So sorry to hear of Roger's passing. Roger's parents and my parents Minnie & Joe Kuharski were great friends many, many years ago. In 1930 his parents were attendants at my parents wedding.. I went to high schoo;l with Roger. As we both worked for the R.E.S.D our paths crossed quite often; He was a very pleasant person
My condolences to his families
ย

Describe your image

Describe your image

Describe your image

Describe your image

Dolores Minkus-Hofley
February 6, 2025 at 12:24 PM
As Roger's older sister we shared many adventures on the Springhill Farm and at Clarksville school. We went to school by horse and buggy, or toboggan in the winter. We walked the 2.5 miles on muddy spring days where we encountered many frozen ponds.
One adventure that Roger still talked about was a cold, wet one. On our walk home we wanted to cross a frozen pond but worried that it was not frozen enough. We convinced Roger to cross it, as he was the lightest...but it wasn't frozen enough. Poor Roger had to hold onto a hydro pole until he was rescued. I don't remember how. Roger was always the accommodator and helper.
We played many sports at school and Roger loved the broad jump and the ball throw. I do believe that his love of sports started at our one room country school.
Roger and I drove to high school together and we shared many friends and school sport activities. We had many adventures at Clear Lake when we both worked there in the summer of 1959.

Describe your image

Describe your image

Describe your image

Describe your image

Elaine Chouinard
February 6, 2025 at 1:23 AM
I will remember Roger as a kind man. He was a wonderful host who made all feel welcomed. It was heartwarming to see the special love he and Lynne shared and the fun they had together.
My condolences.

Describe your image

Describe your image

Describe your image

Describe your image

Carolyn Lintott
February 4, 2025 at 7:55 PM
I had the privilege of working as a colleague with Roger. I want to express my sympathies to Lynn and to the family.

Describe your image

Describe your image

Describe your image

Describe your image

Laura mousseau
February 2, 2025 at 5:38 PM
Kristen and Brent were childhood friends and so many of my younger years were spent at their house as my parents were dear friends of Kristen and Brent's parents ( Bernie and Roger ) when I was young. I remeber those days very foundly and am saddened to hear of his last few years. Rest well roger and my deepest sympathies Kristen / Brent / Bernie and your families.

Describe your image

Describe your image

Describe your image

Describe your image

Kristen (Minkus) Hart
February 2, 2025 at 4:27 PM
Dear Dad,
The past few years have been difficult for you, but we will always hold onto the happy and positive memories of our time together as a family. You were the kindest, fun, and most loving father and grandfather. You always encouraged us to explore, challenge ourselves, and embrace new experiences,ย all with your quiet support. You took a genuine interest in each of our lives, always listening and offering thoughtful advice. You showed us the importance of hard work and enjoying life, not just through your words, but through the way you lived. While your absence will be deeply felt, your love and guidance will stay with us forever. The many heartfelt tributes from those whose lives you touched are a testament to the incredible person you were and the lasting impact you've left behind.
With love,
Kristen, Brent, Mom (Bernie), Greg, Roberta, Jess, Cass, Nick, and Chris
Rest in peace, Dad.

Describe your image

Describe your image

Describe your image

Describe your image

Vivien Laurie
February 2, 2025 at 3:33 PM
I had the priviledge of working with Roger as his vice principal of Munroe Junior High in the early 90's.
He was the guru of Middle Years' philosophy and learning, everything that he did was to benefit the learning experience and academic culture of the students in his care. His impact upon me was so profound that I later incorporaated so many of his ideas and his outlook when I too had the opportunity to lead a Middle Years' school.
He was firm yet kind, serious yet whimsical, professional yet risk-taking and the most honourable of people.
His passing leaves me with the memory of a man of grace and of integrity. I was honoured to be his colleague and his friend.
ย

Describe your image

Describe your image

Describe your image

Describe your image

Linda and Dennis Foley
February 2, 2025 at 11:40 AM
So sorry to hear of Roger's passing, l always enjoyed seeing and visiting with him at the Minkus gatherings. I always found Roger to be a really good person with a great sense of humor and had a certain calmness about him that made you feel comfortable. I will miss him.
Our condolences to the family.

Describe your image

Describe your image

Describe your image

Describe your image

Murray Minkus - older brother (87)
February 2, 2025 at 11:29 AM
Roger was very involved in keeping our family of 9 (6 boys - 3 girls) in touch after our parents passed way many years ago. Because in ventured to Ottawa about 50 yearsd ago I did not spend a lot of time with Roger. But I was always interested in has activity of restoring old vehicles. I will attach a few photos to capture a couple of them
Rest in peace Roger - you made your presence known to anyone you spent time with.



Kathleen Saunders
February 1, 2025 at 10:02 PM
Roger was the husband of my good friend, Lynne. He was an interesting, good-natured, kind man with a sense of humour. As others have noted in the comments, he was the epitome of a gentleman. Rest in peace, Roger. You will live on in the hearts and minds of those close to you and in the memories of the students and staff you worked alongside. Sincere condolences to Lynne and family.

Describe your image

Describe your image

Describe your image

Describe your image

Elaine McCrimmon
February 1, 2025 at 7:51 PM
Condolences to the Minkus family.

Describe your image

Describe your image

Describe your image

Describe your image

Grant Tweed
February 1, 2025 at 7:49 PM
I met Roger when he taught at Medora & we later shared an apartment on Stradbrook Ave while attending Uof M. Lots of great adventures there & at Clear Lake, details of which best kept confidential. Life took us in different directions but remembered as a great friend who never let anyne down. Rest in peace Roger, my condolences to Lynne & family.

Describe your image

Describe your image

Describe your image

Describe your image

Jim Howden
February 1, 2025 at 4:09 PM
Many happy memories of a great guy and some wild times together. Hope photo of friends loads .



Donna W
February 1, 2025 at 1:12 PM
Mr Minkus was my math teacher at Munroe Jr High. I was struggling with my fractions. Mr Minkus took time after school to help me . He even brought props by cutting up oranges and apples to help me understand. fractions.. He was a great teacher. I have not forgotten how he helped me. And I can still do fractions thanks to him.
My Deepest Condolences to his Family.
ย

Describe your image

Describe your image

Describe your image

Describe your image

Dave Lyons
February 1, 2025 at 11:51 AM
My condolences to the family. He was a gentleman. Roger had a way of simplifying issues and usually in your favour. Memories of Roger are only good and lasting. He was a good man

Describe your image

Describe your image

Describe your image

Describe your image

Mavis Hess
February 1, 2025 at 11:06 AM
A great teacher, connected with students well. He was my teacher at Munroe Jr High

Describe your image

Describe your image

Describe your image

Describe your image

Arlene Widdows
February 1, 2025 at 10:59 AM
I worked with Roger at Princess Margaret School many years ago. He had a good sense of humour! Rooger was also a good listener when problems arose and always ready to help! My condolences to Roger's Family.....๐๏ธ

Describe your image

Describe your image

Describe your image

Describe your image

Eileen Huggins
February 1, 2025 at 10:39 AM
He was a wonderful teacher. Always very kind. So sorry for your loss

Describe your image

Describe your image

Describe your image

Describe your image

Jeff Carter
February 1, 2025 at 10:16 AM
My fist contact with Roger came when in the spring of 1986, I was appointed a vice-principal for the next school year. Roger called to invite me to the annual Adminstrators' BBQ and wind up. My first impression lasted for the next 21 years of my time as a school administrator- Roger was a gentleman, a compassionate and astute educator, and a fine guy. My condolences to hi family and friends. Jeff Carter

Describe your image

Describe your image

Describe your image

Describe your image

Shirley Sokol
February 1, 2025 at 9:42 AM
Roger was my principal at Birds Hill School and I always enjoyed his support and his friendly manner. He was there for the kids first and foremost and was a good support for his staff. My condolences to all of his family. He will surely be missed.

Describe your image

Describe your image

Describe your image

Describe your image

Glenda McLarty
February 1, 2025 at 8:53 AM
Mr. Minkus was my teacher in junior high. He was kind and such a good teacher. I remember him well and with good thoughts. My condolences to his family onbtheir loss.

Describe your image

Describe your image

Describe your image

Describe your image

Laura (McCaw) Hawkins
February 1, 2025 at 7:03 AM
Mr. Minkus was a kind teacher who encouraged me to run cross country, introducing me to a new sport and giving me the confidence to participate during some awkward school years for me. I have never forgotten his support.

Describe your image

Describe your image

Describe your image

Describe your image

Scott Miner
February 1, 2025 at 7:03 AM
There's a blast from the past, Mr. Minkus, my math teacher from Munroe Junior High. You always wonder what happened to some of the more memorable teacher in your life. Sounds like he enjoyed his. My condolences to his family.

Describe your image

Describe your image

Describe your image

Describe your image

Valerie McDougall
February 1, 2025 at 6:46 AM
I worked with Roger at Princess Margaret School. I so remember his morning smile and wishing us to have a good day with our students. My condolences to his family. ๐๐๏ธ๐๐๏ธ

Describe your image

Describe your image

Describe your image

Describe your image

Vic Mikolayenko
February 1, 2025 at 6:37 AM
I remember having Mr. Minkus for a teacher at Munroe Jr. High. He was one of the very good ones. Years later I met his brother, Gary; my condolences to you and your family.

Describe your image

Describe your image

Describe your image

Describe your image
