Roger Henry Mengelkoch

Roger Henry Mengelkoch, 71, of Marco Island, Florida, passed away surrounded by friends and family on December 20, 2025. Born in Minneapolis, Minnesota, on August 13, 1954, he was the son of the late Hank and Patricia Mengelkoch.

A gifted athlete, Roger was a legend in the pool. He swam competitively with the Ascension Swim Club and Fridley High School before earning his letter at the University of Minnesota in 1973. His elite talent eventually took him to the US Olympic Trials, a pinnacle achievement that spoke to his lifelong dedication to the sport of swimming.

In later years, Roger became a beloved fixture of the Marco Island service industry, most notably behind the bar at the Snook Inn, where his quick wit welcomed locals and visitors alike for more than 30 years. He was a man of many passions - an appraiser who could spot the value in any watch, jewelry, art, or furniture piece from a mile away, and a collector who found joy in the hunt at the Bargain Basket, local garage sales, or auctions. He found great joy in the simple rhythms of life, whether he was riding his bike, cheering on the Minnesota Vikings, jamming to Rod Stewart in the garage, watching The Curse of Oak Island, or laughing at prank videos on YouTube. Roger’s sense of humor and billowing laughter were a constant gift to those around him.

Roger is survived by his devoted wife, Theresa Mengelkoch; his daughter, Marissa Mengelkoch Wagner (Joshua Wagner); stepdaughters Tess Deal (Jon Deal), Erin Thorpe (Kenneth Stillwell), and Kerry Lydon; and grandchildren Mira Thorpe, Zavian Deal, Katya Stillwell, Sloane Stillwell, and Lainey Stillwell. He is also survived by his sister, Lynn Winters, and his half-siblings, Nancy Lukens and Billy Jensen - whom he was especially grateful to have connected with later in life through Ancestry DNA tests. He was preceded in death by his beloved son, Thomas Roger Mengelkoch, and his twin brother Richard, who passed away in 2014.

He will be deeply missed by his family and friends. A Funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, January 10, 2026 at 11:00 am at San Marco Catholic Church, 851 San Marco Rd, Marco Island, FL.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Nicklaus Children's Hospital, formerly known as Miami Children's Hospital, 3100 SW 62nd Avenue, Miami, FL 33155. www.nicklauschildrens.org