Roger George Monroe

Roger George Monroe, beloved father, grandfather, uncle, brother, and friend, passed away peacefully on the evening of Tuesday, October 24th, 2023, age 74, in Remer. Roger was born in Cass Lake, MN, on January 4, 1949, to Isabelle (Aitken) Monroe.

Roger grew up in Onigum, the land he loved and always considered home, with his mother, siblings, and surrounded by family, friends, and community. He enjoyed being outdoors soaking in our beautiful Leech Lake lands spending time hunting, fishing, setting net, and ricing with friends and family.  Roger was always ready and willing to help everyone out—from changing tires or motor oil, to completing household repairs, or even just giving some good advice, a smile, and good humor when some laughs when needed. His journey throughout his life brought him on many adventures, from spending time in Chicago with family, earning money to pay for his very first car – a Ford convertible-- to enlisting in the Marines for a time to serve his country.

Roger spent a large part of his life giving back to his family and community. He worked for many, many years at Leech Lake Housing Authority, sharing his time, talent, and care with families across our Leech Lake Nation. He was widely known for his smile, his caring nature and positive attitude to everyone that crossed his path. His pride and joy were caring for his family, and when he started having grandchildren and great-grandchildren his heart was especially full. Roger had a fondness for visits with family and friends, trips to DQ and KFC, enjoying his chocolate and Pepsi, and helping his people in any way he could.

Roger's wisdom, humor, love, his knack for knowing how to build or fix pretty much everything, the way his face lit up whenever he spent time with his grand babies and great grand babies, the way he loved his family, his friends, his community… all of this, and much more, will be so very missed.  The values he instilled within us all to show compassion for one another, to seek wisdom and truth, and to be a good ancestor will continue to ripple through his children, grandchildren, and all who loved him-- for generations to come.

Roger is survived by his children, Roger Butcher, Shaun Butcher, Corey Butcher, Jenn Clarke, Christina McMurrin, Linsey McMurrin; and Jason McMurrin to whom he was always a strong father figure;  19 grandchildren; 5 great-grandchildren; sisters, Eveyln Monroe, Elaine (Sam) Saccoman; brother, Edwin Monroe; special cousins, Glendora Ellis and Cheryl (Dave) Holk; and so many cousins, nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and nephews he loved so dearly. 

Roger is preceded in death by his mother, Isabelle (Aitken) Monroe; siblings, Harold, Calvin, Clyde, Adeline, Bernice “Bunny”, Darlene “Doll”; special niece, Tonya; as well as numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, friends, and loved ones.

Please join us for Roger’s Memorial Service on Monday, October 30th, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. at the Onigum Community Center to celebrate his life, to share memories, tears, laughter, and a meal, as we say goodbye for now to our beloved father, brother, uncle, grandfather, and friend. Father William “Bill” Butcher will officiate. Honorary urn bearers are all of Roger’s grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and all who loved him.

Roger’s care has been entrusted to Northern Peace Funeral Home of Walker, MN. Online condolences for the family may be left at www.northernpeace.com

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Roger George Monroe, please visit our floral store.