Obituary of Roger A. Parenteau

Roger Parenteau, age 67, of Hudson WI, died October 11 from injuries sustained in a bicycle accident in Afton, MN. He is survived by friends and family grappling with his sudden absence including his wife Maureen Mitton and their children Anna and Luc Parenteau; his son Eric Parenteau and family; and his siblings Greg Parenteau, Guy Parenteau, Gloria Tessier, Calvin Parenteau, Mary Ann Radtke, Marlene Sisterman, and their families.  Roger grew up in White Bear Lake MN, leaving to serve honorably in the United States Navy. While still in his early twenties, he suffered from a service-related injury that resulted in the loss of vision in one eye. Following his military service Roger lived and worked in San Diego CA where he spent many years before returning to the Midwest in 1992 to settle in Hudson and eventually graduate from UW River Falls.

While in California, Roger turned to cycling for exercise and his work commute, eventually realizing he could ride and compete at a high level. He participated in competition at national and international levels, prevailing in several track championships.  He also exceled at road racing. In recent years he turned his attention to longer distances, making several single-day trips to Duluth MN or farther north each summer, culminating with a 300+ mile one-day ride from Hudson WI to International Falls MN in August 2022.  His many accomplishments are amazing because of the cancer and other health issues he fought over the years, always working his way back to cycling.

Roger also enjoyed other endurance sports including cross country skiing and running and had success competing in those as well.  He readily shared his knowledge and energy by helping people accomplish their goals in sports and life: waxing skis and bike chains, designing training programs, and helping friends and neighbors in many ways.  For years he ran, skied, walked, and cycled throughout the St. Croix River Valley, returning lost wallets and phones he found along the way. His deep connection to the natural world also included interests in birding, geology, astronomy, and photography.

Roger was foremost a devoted father, and husband, spending many happy times with his children and their friends in all sorts of adventures and activities. He made it all happen, packing every day full of what he wanted to do, what he needed to do and what others wanted and needed from him.  Family and friends will remember and miss the strong, wonderful, kind, intelligent and helpful person that he was.

A service is being planned for the spring.