Roger William Mahoney

Roger Mahoney, age 87 of rural Appleton, passed away Sunday, October 15, 2023, at the Stevens Community Medical Center in Morris. A Rosary and Prayer Service will begin at 4:30 p.m., followed by visitation from 5-7 p.m., Friday, October 20, 2023, at St. John’s Catholic Church in Appleton. Visitation will resume from 10-11 a.m., followed by the Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, October 21, 2023, at the church. Fr. Brian Mandel will officiate. Interment will be in the Appleton City Cemetery.

Roger William Mahoney was born September 14, 1936, to William Thomas and Ann Helen (Muehlbauer) Mahoney at the Stevens County Hospital in Morris, Minnesota. He grew up in Hegbert Township of Swift County, MN. He attended country school until 8th grade and, as the only one in his class, was extremely proud to claim he was the “valedictorian” of his class. He attended and graduated from the West Central School of Agriculture in Morris, MN in 1954. After graduation he began farming on his homestead after purchasing land from Frank Landers (160 acres/hogs/beef cattle/Small Grains/ Corn/Soybeans/Sugar Beets, working as a mechanic for Telford Implement in Appleton, MN, and joined the Appleton National Guard (1955-1962) where he graduated 3rd in a class of 70 at the US Army Armored School for Tank Leadership in Fort Knox, KY. On September 30, 1961, he was united in marriage to Katherine “Katie” Bonk at St. John’s Catholic Church in Appleton. This union was blessed with over 62 years together and three children: James (1962), Daniel (1964), and Douglas (1968).

Roger was an active member of St. John’s Catholic church where he served on the parish council, lectern, usher, and taught catechism. He was also involved in the rural community and served on the Swift County 4-H Livestock Committee, Hegbert Township Board, and Appleton Farmers Co-op Elevator Company. Roger was one of the founding members of Western Consolidated Cooperative (“West-Con”) and designed the original logo for the newly formed cooperative.

Roger’s greatest enjoyments in life were his family, farming, current events, and sports. He took every opportunity to attend his son’s sporting events, traveling hours to attend events for his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and patiently sharing life lessons on the farm with his grandchildren (tractor rides, driving cars in the yard, newborn pigs, feeding biscuits to the sows, and readjusting loose toes/fingers/noses with his Cee-Tee-Co pliers). Roger’s passion in life was farming and he wanted to farm as long as possible. In the days prior to his passing, he secured grain contracts for 2024.

Roger passed away Sunday, October 15, 2023, at the Stevens Community Medical Center in Morris. He attained 87 years, 1 month, and 1 day of age. Roger is survived by his wife Katie Mahoney; his children: James Mahoney of Hutchinson, Daniel Mahoney of Appleton, and Douglas Mahoney of Rochester; his grandchildren and his great grandchildren: Jamie (Matt) Mahoney and Leighton Sturges; Linsey (Matt) Yurek, Bennett, Brielle, and Olive; Chelsey (Jakin) Chapman, Naome, and Willow; Jordan (Heather) Mahoney, Aren, and Casey; and Joáo Vitor (Stephanie) Halab.

He was preceded in death by his parents, William and Ann Mahoney; his brothers: Gerald Mahoney, Paul Mahoney and Dennis Mahoney; and his sister, Sharon Mahoney.

Roger was the most patient and kindest man, honest to a fault, left a lifelong impression on those who knew him, and will be missed dearly by his family and friends.

Blessed be the memory of Roger William Mahoney.