Roger Michael Cichanski

“We Had a Good Life”

Roger Michael Cichanski, age 82, of Brooklyn Park, MN died on January 13, 2026 at home, with both children by his side. Born May 3, 1943, to Berthina Moen and Michael Cichanski, he grew up the son of Berthina and Reuben Moen after Michael’s death in a tractor accident when Roger was a toddler. Raised on a farm in Canby, MN the value of hard work was deeply instilled in him. After graduating from Canby High School, Roger headed to Minneapolis to find work and begin life in the big city.

Roger was quicky hired and spent decades working in manufacturing plants, working his way up to a manager. He made friends and found his way. He also fell deeply in love and married Katherine (Kathie) Carlson on July 10, 1965. Together they cruised Lake Street in the classic Fords of the day.

Along with his love for Fords, Roger also rode Harley Davidsons and liked John Deeres. He fixed everything and kept it all maintained in mint condition. He was a good woodworker and could always be found wearing flannel and twirling a toothpick in his mouth. Dogs stole his heart and each canine in his care was absolutely spoiled.

After buying their first house in Fridley, Roger and Kathie were able to build a beautiful split-level home in East Bethel where they raised their children, Wendy and Wayne. It was an idyllic life with good neighbors, room to roam, and a pond in the backyard that Roger kept cleared in the winter for ice skating. The family enjoyed boating and camping every weekend in the summer. Roger fished and enjoyed bonfires with lake friends and could occasionally be found dancing with Kathie to some good belly-rubbing music.

After 60 years of marriage, losing Kathie was the biggest heartbreak Roger knew. Yet he showed up each day in a courageous way. When diagnosed this past fall, he was ready to fight the stage four lung cancer. He chose treatment; he wanted to live. He repeatedly asked when his next treatment was, while hospitalized and even in the last days of his life.

Roger was a family man through and through and will be deeply missed by his children, Wendy (Ben) Cichanski Caduff and Wayne (Deana) Cichanski; grandchildren Jordan Lindahl, Emily (Rick) Cichanski, Erin Cichanski, Augustin Caduff, and Grace Caduff; sisters Babs (Dave) Waldal and Mary (Dave) Berger; brother Rick (Shari) Moen; sister-in-law Ann Carlson; goddaughter Brenda Lang Strickhausen; and by many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Kathie Cichanski; parents Reuben and Berthina Moen and Michael Cichanski; his sister Marlys Cichanski Chester; brothers-in-law Dick (Carole) Carlson, Jim Carlson, and Jerry Carlson; and his daughter-in-law Kristi Cichanski.

Funeral service 11:00 am, Thursday, January 29 at Gearty-Delmore Funeral Chapel,15800 37th Ave. N. Plymouth, with visitation one hour prior. Interment to follow at St. Patrick Cemetery, Oak Grove.

May he rest in peace, may he live in the light this day, may his memory be a blessing!