Roger N. Minkie, age 78 of Freeport, IL, left us peacefully after a courageous battle with cancer on Tuesday, January 10, 2017 at his home. He was born August 17, 1938; the son of the late Herman and Jenny (Wilken) Minkie. He graduated from Freeport High School in 1956 where he was an avid basketball player. Roger served in the United States Army, stationed in Germany with tours in Lebanon and Beirut. While stationed in Germany, He met Trudy Seiter and they were married on May 21, 1958.
Together, Roger and Trudy farmed for a few years before Roger purchased his own milk route and truck in 1965. The business grew into Minkie Trucking, which Roger owned and operated until 2011. He was a member of the Baileyville Baptist Church and the VFW. He enjoyed the outdoors, camping, fishing and boating. Roger and Trudy also enjoyed trips to Texas and Branson. He loved going to his kids and grandkids sporting events, hardly ever missing one. Roger was known for his wonderful sense of humor.
He is survived by his wife, Trudy of Freeport; sons, Norbert Minkie, Jim (Sue) Minkie of Monroe, WI and Kirk (Cindy) Minkie of Dakota, IL; grandsons, Cory, Kale, Gabe, Jake, and Matt; five great grandchildren; and several dear friends. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Billy.
A visitation will be held Friday, January 13th from 4:00 to 7:00 pm at the Daughenbaugh Funeral Home in Dakota, IL. The funeral service will be held Saturday, January 14th at 11:00 am with visitation beginning at 10:00 am also at the funeral Home. Interment will take place at Sunset Acres Cemetery in Orangeville, IL. A memorial fund has been established in his name.