Roger Koelln

Roger William Koelln, age 86, of Hudson, died May 22, 2020, at the Christian Community Home. Roger was born on August 28, 1933, in St. Paul, Minnesota to Ernest and Rose (Michels) Koelln. He was raised in St. Paul where he graduated from Central High School in 1951. He attended the University of St. Thomas. On September 26, 1959, he was united in marriage to Ruth Geraldine Hammer. Roger and Geraldine settled in Hudson where they raised three daughters. They were married for 52 years. Roger had a long career working in the marine supply business with various companies including Lewis Yachts, Marine Associates and Barclay Marine. An entrepreneur at heart, his next ventures included trailer and Cadillac car part sales. Roger was known by many as the ‘Cadillac Man’; he was a long time member of the North Star Cadillac Club. He enjoyed traveling by car including the Blue Ridge Parkway in Virginia. He had an incredible memory for the people and places he encountered. Roger was an avid student of history, especially the Civil War and World War II. He held a soft spot in his heart for cats and always was willing to give a home to a stray.

Roger will remain in the hearts of his children Beth (Chris) Ziebarth, Carol (Dale) Lewis, Connie (Tom) Beston; grandchildren Brendan Ziebarth, Caroline Beston, Rachel Beston; sister Gloria Lange; and sister-in-law Rosemary ‘Rose’ Koelln. His parents; brother Donald; wife Geraldine; and an infant sister precede him in death.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a future date. Condolences may be submitted to Roger’s Tribute Wall on the O’Connell Family Funeral Home website.