Roger Whitney

Roger W. Whitney passed away peacefully on Monday, July 6, 2026 at home in Winnebago. Memorial service will take place at 11am on Thursday, July 16, 2026 at Hope United Methodist Church in Blue Earth with Rev. Judy Clark officiating. Visitation time will be held one hour prior to the service at the church. Private family burial will take place at Rice Lake Cemetery.

Roger was born on December 11, 1937 in Lura Township to William and Nellie (Wallace) Whitney. He was raised on the farm with his four brothers. He attended Delavan High School, graduating in 1955. During his time in school, he excelled at football and basketball. Following high school he enlisted in the Army Reserves, serving through 1963. Roger married his high school sweetheart, Diane (Winter) on October 14, 1956. They settled on the family farm. He was a grain farmer, side-by-side with his brother, Jim. Roger was a dairy farmer, and later, swine. Roger served on the Delavan Creamy Board and GrainLand Co-op Board. He was a 4-H leader and served on various committees at the Delavan First United Methodist Church. Roger and Diane wintered in Texas and enjoyed square and round dancing. For many years they raised Norwegian Fjord Horses on their Fair Acres Farm. The farm was designated a Sesquacentennial Farm last year.

He is survived by his loving wife, Diane, of nearly 70 years; daughter LuAnn, son Kent, daughters Jean (Brain) Millmann, Amy (Rick) Mauris; grandchildren Christopher & Bridget Whitney, Taylor Millmann, Jamie Jones, Mariah & Mason Mauris; 14 great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents William Sr. & Nellie; step-mother Eleanor Whitney; in-laws Henry & Alice Winter; brothers Walter, Wayne, Bill Jr. and Jim; sisters-in-law Evelyn, Helen, Betty, Caroline;brother-in-law Gary Winter.