Kirk Roggensack
Kirk R. Roggensack, age 59, of Minneapolis, MN died in the arms of his wife surrounded by family in his home November 13, 2018. Celebration of love continued will be held December 1 from 1-4 p.m. at Thomas-Dougherty, 2535 Park Ave., Minneapolis, MN 55404.
In lieu of flowers, Kirk asked that you donate your time or money to an organization that helps people in need. If you choose to do that, please email pegzoll@hotmail.com with your name and the organization you helped. You and your charity will be acknowledged at the celebration.
Even in death Kirk continued giving. He donated his body to the University of Minnesota.
Born January 15, 1959, Kirk died a wealthy man with a head full of priceless memories and a heart of gold. All who knew him, and accepted it, inherited a piece of his heart and the knowledge that kindness given is an investment that will always reap rewards in life. He brokered a sure bet. We are all richer for having known him.
From the start, he had a courageous acceptance of his diagnosis and prognosis. He greeted death as he did everything in life, with an open mind and an understanding heart. Slow to anger, he vowed never to be angry with his ensuing death and he kept his promise, as he always had.
He had little time for death and cancer. He traveled to Mexico and there danced in the streets with his wife. He told his doctor in the Cities he needed to skip a couple of weeks of chemo to go on a tour of Europe. With the aid and planning of an enthusiastic care team, he did just that. He tasted the dish of Hope Mayo served when standard chemo stopped working and pushed it aside, telling the astonished providers, “I can’t stay, it’s summer, I have to be up north at the lake.” As autumn came, and the sunshine of the north faded, Kirk traveled to the Sunshine state, where each day he walked the beach holding hands and was filled with warmth.
If there is a heaven, Kirk is there with the countless loved ones that went before him. He is playing euchre and fishing on the lake he loved, loons calling while he actively listens to a friend. And, since all dogs go to heaven, Kirk’s two dogs he buried and cried over will be at his feet, for if there is a heaven, this is Kirk’s ideal.
Sympathy to those who know him and deep, deep sorrow for those who missed the opportunity. Kirk always felt a need to make the world a little better, kinder. He gave you his heart, now give him a hand. Go, laugh, have fun, be kind, see the world, spread the sunshine, and grow your riches.
