Roger G. McVay

Born December 19, 1936, to George and Frances McVay in St. Paul, Minnesota, Roger lived a life full of love, laughter, and dedication to those around him.

Roger graduated from Elk River High School in 1955 and proudly served four years in the U.S. Navy from 1956–1960 as a Yeoman, serving with Navy Amphibious Construction Battalion Two. Upon his honorable discharge from the U.S. Navy, he returned home to Minnesota and met the love of his life, Sharon, whom he married on February 3, 1962, sharing the next 63 years.

Roger worked for 38 years at the Saint Paul Dispatch and Pioneer Press, first as a printer and later as a driver. He was a long-time Teamster and was an entrepreneurial spirit who had businesses his whole life, including a carpeting business, a pizza, video and ice cream shop, and a wine shop that sold personalized bottles of wine or champagne for special events. He was a Minister of the Eucharist at St. Patrick’s Church for many years. He was also part of the Knights of Columbus later in life at the Church of Saint Pius X, in White Bear Lake.

Roger will be fondly remembered for his unwavering dedication to his family. His warm heart, friendly smile, and gentle spirit made a lasting impact on all who knew him. Family and fishing were his main joys, and his children recount quality time spent together being the foundation of his happiness. His playful spirit and a mischievous smile could light up any room. His sense of humor and love for fun endeared him to all who knew him. He had a special knack for turning ordinary moments into unforgettable memories.

An avid fisherman, Roger found great happiness on the boat on a lake, where he found peace and tranquility. His love of catching fish was only surpassed by his love of eating them and sharing those meals with family and friends made him smile brightly. All his cherished moments on the water with family and friends were a source of countless happy memories. He will be dearly missed but forever remembered in the hearts of those he touched.

Roger was preceded in death by his daughter; Mary Pat, brother; Ronald, sister; Shirley and parents; George and Frances.

Roger is survived by his devoted wife, Sharon, with whom he shared 63 cherished years. Roger was a proud father to his four children: Kate (Michael) McCarthy, Mary Pat, Michael (Sandy) McVay, and Sean (Christine) McVay, 12 grandchildren, 14 great grandchildren, and a multitude of nieces and nephews. He loved kids and could typically be found in the presence of any children or babies at family gatherings, laughing and making them laugh, gently teasing or exuberantly singing “The Mousey Song”.

To honor Roger’s legacy, the family invites all who knew him to join them in celebrating a life well lived.

Visitation Monday, February 10, 2025, 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm at Wulff Funeral Home,1485 White Bear Ave, St. Paul. Visitation continues Tuesday February 11, 2025, at Saint Mary of the Lake, 4741 Bald Eagle Ave, White Bear Lake, 9:30 am – 10:30 am, followed by a mass of Christian burial at 10:30 am. Interment with full military honors to follow at Ft. Snelling National Cemetery.

Mass will be livestreamed at the following address:

https://www.youtube.com/@st.maryofthelake-wbl4368/streams

***At the request of the family, memorials are preferred in lieu of flowers.