Roger Edward Hannigan

About Roger

Roger Edward Hannigan, 85, of Blackduck, MN passed away under hospice care at Cornerstone Residence in Kelliher, MN on Tuesday, December 27, 2022.

Roger was born on February 2, 1937 in Minneapolis, MN, the son of David and Gladys (Cronk) Hannigan. He grew up in Funkley, MN and attended Blackduck School, graduating in 1955.

He worked seasonal employment with the MN Forestry starting after graduation and again after his return from military service. He was drafted into the US Army in April of 1960 and was stationed in Regensburg, Germany. During that time he spent 3 months working at the prison in Dachau as a blotterman. He was able to go back to Germany with his son-in-law Daron in 2014. Upon return from the military Roger married Carol Eklund on July 18, 1964 and they made their home in Blackduck while he attended Bemidji State University, graduating in 1969 with a double major in biology and chemistry.

He taught High School Science in Warren, MN for 1 year and then returned to Blackduck to teach at Kelliher High School from 1970-1996, at which time he retired. He continued to work summers for the MN DNR as a Forest Health Specialist and retired in 2005.

Roger served on the Hornet Town Board for 25 years, also serving on the Blackduck Ambulance Board and History Center Board. He was a life-time member of Blackduck American Legion Post #372, serving as adjutant for 6 years, and a member of the Bemidji Chapter 40&8 for 6 years. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, trapping, snowmobiling, and 4-wheeling, but especially enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren.

Roger is survived by his wife Carol of Blackduck; a son, Jeff Hannigan of Walker, MN; 2 daughters, Stacy (Mike Speltz) Hannigan of Coon Rapids, MN and Tari (Daron) Yates of Andover, MN; 2 grandsons, Nicholas Speltz of Edina, MN, Liam Speltz of Coon Rapids, MN; 3 granddaughters, Anna Speltz of Coon Rapids, MN, Ella Yates and Abby Yates, both of Andover, MN; and many wonderful nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, David and Gladys Hannigan; a sister, Jean Beeker; 2 brothers, Dave and Jim Hannigan; and nephew, Duncan Hannigan.

memorial service

Memorial Service for Roger

January 7, 2023

Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the church. Military honors will be provided by American Legion Post #372 of Blackduck. Interment will be in Capernaum Cemetery in Quiring Township at a later date.

Funeral/Cremation Provider: Cease Family Funeral Home