Obituary of Roger James Landro

Roger James Landro, 79, of Savage, passed away on November 7, 2024, from complications of Rheumatoid Arthritis, surrounded by his loving family. Born on July 19, 1945, to Oscar and Evelyn Landro in Duluth, Roger was a dedicated family man and a master woodworker/cabinetmaker.

Preceded in death by his parents, Oscar and Evelyn Landro, and his brother, David Landro, Roger is survived by his loving wife and best friend of 60 years, Merle (Truscott) Landro.

He will be deeply missed by his children: Julie Larson (Rodger), Michael Landro (Patti), and Lauri Mickelson (Scott). He is also survived by his brothers Ken Landro (Corrine) and Warren Landro, as well as his brother and sister-in-law’s, Theresa Landro, Jim & Millie Ruiz, Bobby & Shirley Truscott, Jerry & Laurel Truscott, Ken & Janice Truscott.

His legacy continues through his grandchildren: Jesse, Jenna, Jaret (Melanie), Tyler (Cassie) Larson, Rebecca (Mason), Rachel (Jackson) Landro, and Emily, Jack, Sam, Casey Mickelson, along with many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Roger graduated from Duluth Central in 1963 and honed his woodworking craft at a post-secondary trade school. He served in the Army Reserve from 1963 to 1966. In 1964, he married his high school sweetheart, Merle, and they moved to Richfield, expanding their family with the births of Julie, Michael, and Lauri.

A founding instructor at Hennepin Technical College, Roger taught cabinetmaking from 1972 to 2005. His company, Roger’s Custom Woodworking, showcased his incredible talent, evident in the homes of many loved ones. Roger enjoyed 40 years at Greenwood Lake, engaging in snowmobiling, fishing, and 4-wheeling with his brother David and son, among others. He also spent many great years with family at the cabin in Webster, Wisconsin.

A gentle and kind soul, Roger was a devoted Dad and Papa, always patient and ready to help. He and Merle cherished camping and traveling with Millie & Jim through the years. Roger enjoyed countless visits to the State Fair and passed his love of the State Fair down to his children. He found joy in puzzles, "Wheel of Fortune," "Everybody Loves Raymond," and his cherished 1977 Ford pickup, “Brutus.”

A celebration of Roger’s life will be held on:

Wednesday, November 20, 2024, with visitation from 10:30 to 11:30,

followed by a service at 11:30 and a light luncheon at Cremation Society of Minnesota, 7110 France Ave South, Edina.

Memorials can be made in Roger’s name to The Rheumatoid Arthritis Foundation or The Alzheimer’s Association in lieu of flowers.