Roger Wayne Loken

Roger Wayne Loken, age 81 of Rochester/Albert Lea passed away Thursday, February 13, 2025 at Good Samaritan Society, Albert Lea, MN. A memorial service will be held at a later date at the Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery, Preston, MN.

Roger was born April 12, 1943 to Arthur and Dorothy Loken in Waseca, MN. He grew up on the farm and graduated from New Richland High School. After school Roger joined the United States Navy serving much of his time in a submarine, the USS John Marshall.

While serving in the Navy, he married Janet Warke on April 23, 1962, moving to Hampton Roads, VA and then to Groton, CT where their son Shawn was born. Later moving back to Minnesota, they had a daughter, Shelly and eventually settled in Rochester, MN, where Roger worked for many years at IBM.

Diagnosed with MS Roger courageously used his ingenuity to find ways to live as independent as possible at home for as long as possible with the help of family, many friends, and Comfort Health Care. Roger’s greatest wish was honored, to have his body donated to the Mayo Clinic Multiple Sclerosis Research Program to help others fight MS.

Roger is survived by his son Shawn (Rose) Loken of New Richland, MN; daughter Shelly (John) Davis of Olympia, WA; grandchildren Sam Davis and Katie Davis; sister-in-law Janice Perkins; brother-in-law David Warke; and nephews Trent (Kerry) Clausen and Troy Clausen.

Preceding in death is Roger’s wife Janet; parents, Arthur and Dorothy Loken; sister Barbara Clausen; brothers-in-law Doug Clausen and Edward Perkins; mother and father in-law Clayton and Eileen Warke; and sister-in-law Karen Warke.

Roger’s family would like to thank Moments Hospice of Rochester, MN, Good Samaritan Society of Albert Lea, MN, Rochester West Health Systems and Comfort Home Health of Rochester, MN.

Memorials are preferred to a Hospice of the donor’s choice.

Sailor’s Poem

Fair Winds and following seas my friend.

As your journey’s course you plot and tend

May gentle breezes guide your way,

And calm waters greet you every day.

By Dave Kelly