Roger K. Buege

Roger Kent Buege, 81, of Winona, passed away peacefully on the evening of September 20, 2026, surrounded by his family.

Roger was born in May 1945 in Winona, Minnesota, to Phyllis (Burns) Buege and Emil Buege. He spent his childhood in Pickwick, Minnesota, growing up alongside his four siblings: Marilyn (“Pat”) Peterson, Robert Buege, Gerald (“Spud”) Buege, and Joanne Kulas. It was there that he formed lifelong friendships and discovered some of the great joys of his life, including fishing the backwaters of the Mississippi and duck hunting.

As a young man, Roger enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps and served during the Vietnam War. His pride in that service, and his deep love for the country he helped defend, remained an important part of who he was throughout his life.

Roger met his lifelong partner, Carol (Mueller) Buege, while they were in high school, and they later married in 1968. Together, they built a life filled with love in their home overlooking the river. Though each had a strong and individual spirit, Roger and Carol were inseparable companions, bound by a steady and unwavering connection. They had two daughters, Robyn (Eric) Shoemaker and Rhonda Buege. In time, Roger became a proud grandpa to Robyn’s children, Olivia and Connor Flatten, and most recently, a great-grandpa to Weston. Through his daughter Rhonda, he became a frequent traveler, and together they shared many wonderful memories exploring Europe. As a small family, Roger and his family shared a very close bond.

Roger founded his own insurance agency, beginning a successful career that spanned several decades and suited his independent nature well. While insurance was his profession, he also devoted countless hours to the home and river life he loved—carefully tending the landscape around his house, maintaining his boats, and fixing his cars. These were among the many ways he expressed his care, patience, and pride in the life he built.

Roger will be lovingly remembered for the music he carried through his life, especially his deep love of country music. A gifted natural guitarist, he found great joy in playing, whether with a band or at home, filling the spaces around him with the songs and sounds he loved.

Roger’s memory will live on in the hearts of his wife, Carol; his daughters, Robyn and Rhonda; his grandchildren, Olivia and Connor; his great-grandchild, Weston; and the many nieces and nephews who will remember him with love.

Visitation will be held at St. Matthew’s Ev. Lutheran Church, 766 W. Wabasha St., Winona, on Thursday, October 1, 2026, from 12:30 PM until the funeral service at 2 PM. Pastor Austin Claflin will officiate. Roger will be laid to rest at Woodlawn Cemetery with military honors. Following the burial, a celebration of Roger’s life will be held at the American Legion Club, 302 E. Sarnia St., Winona, from 3 PM until 7 PM.

Memorial may be directed to the Winona chapters of AMVETS or the Disabled American Veterans.

Online condolences or memories may be left for Roger’s family at www.watkowski-mulyck.com.