Roger E Plumb

The link to Roger's service can be found below:

https://online.brushfire.com/dts/geartydelmorefuneralchapels/fc9nj7np9h

Roger E. Plumb age 94 of Plymouth passed away on December 10, 2022, surrounded by family.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Eunice Plumb; siblings, R. Dale, Mahlon, William, Margaret, and Stanley.  He is survived by his wife of 68 years, Alice; daughter, Gwen (Dave); son, Mike (Cheryl); daughter, Cathy; and grandchildren, Miles, Emma, Charlie, and Sydney.

Roger graduated from the University of Wisconsin Madison in 1952 with a degree in Civil Engineering. He later earned Public Administration and Civil Engineering master’s degrees.

Roger spent almost three years in the United States Army where his efforts included water testing in France and jumping high hurdles for his unit's track team. Roger then began his career for the city of Milwaukee, where his duties included overseeing parks and playgrounds during a period of rapid growth. In 1968 the native son returned to Beloit, WI as the Director of Public Works, and the Beloit Daily News declared they were "Plumb Delighted." In 1973 the Beloit City Council commended his "unparalleled high level of excellent service to the city and its citizens." Roger subsequently became the Director of Public Works for Rochester, MN where he took special care to promote tree plantings throughout the city and worked there for 20 years until his retirement. The Rochester Mayor proclaimed August 31st, 1993 as Roger Plumb Day for his leadership ability and personal traits of honesty, integrity, and caring for other people.  In 1996 they moved to Plymouth, where he then drew on prior experience to organize tree plantings in their recently developed neighborhood. The flowering crab, maple, oak, and spruce have since grown into beautiful trees. He also planted hibiscus, roses, and native flowers on either side of the creek bridge near their home.

As an avid bridge player, he attained Life Master rank and enjoyed playing local and national tournaments with Alice.

Roger had boundless energy. In retirement, he delivered Meals on Wheels, was a bell ringer for the Salvation Army, tutored math to many children, and presented on various environmental topics at the local men’s group he belonged to.

He gave extra love to his grandchildren for which he wrote letters of life advice to on a weekly basis, always emphasizing the importance of being kind.

Roger developed two blossoming flower gardens in his neighborhood as well, a place he happily devoted long hours to every summer and could be found watering, weeding, and greeting passers-by with a smile and maybe a bit of humor. Roger spent his long life in service to others, especially his children and grandchildren where, like trees and gardens, he took thoughtful care to nurture them at every step of the way.

Family was a central focus in Roger's life, including many Plumb family reunions. Roger will be remembered for his kindness by his family and friends. Roger donated his body to the Mayo Clinic for medical education.

Special thanks to Augustana Open Circle in Hopkins for their excellent adult day services helping Roger the last several months of his life.

Special thanks to the Rochester Mayo Clinic and Abbott Northwestern Hospital where Roger received wonderful medical and hospice care.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you make a donation to the charitable organization of your choice or volunteer your time and talents.

A celebration of life will be held on December 23, 2022, with visitation at 2:00 PM, with service following at 2:30 PM, at Gearty-Delmore Funeral Chapels, 15800 37th Ave N, Plymouth, MN 55446.