October 24, 2025 11:00am
Roger Van Haaften's Celebration of Life will be on Friday, October 24th, with visitation from 10:00-11:00 AM, and the service from 11:00-12:00 PM, with a luncheon to follow.
Roger Dean Van Haaften
January 3, 1937 - September 8, 2025
Iowa born, Nebraska raised, Minnesota anchored. Roger was a Homecoming King and star athlete, who played football at the U of Nebraska '54, '57 and '58. He was appointed to the inaugural Air Force Academy cadet class in 1955, where he kicked the first-ever extra point for the newly formed USAF football team and was featured in Life magazine. He began his professional career as a salesman for the American Can Company, designer of the see-through bacon packaging widely used today. From there, Roger went on to become a successful small businessman, owning dry cleaning, printing and orthotics/diabetic footwear companies. Roger's loves included his wife, family, friends, skiing, watching sports of every kind, music, the North Shore, the "Arb," reading the Star from the front page to the last, the Huskers, the Gophers, engaging conversation and well-timed humor. He is survived by wife Norma Van Haaften, daughters Heather Van Haaften (Nik), Holly Huntsman (Howie); stepchildren Teri Barnhill (Barry), Rick Schuller and Jeff Schuller (Tory); grandchildren Hannah Wolfe, Hope Wolfe, Reid Larsen (Laura), Jens Larsen (Kate) and Ben Schuller; sister Wilma Henri (Chuck); nieces, nephews and many friends. His five great-grandchildren (Kai, Eli, Billie Lou, Levi and Lake) called him "Great Roger," a moniker that perfectly captures this big, gentle man with an even bigger heart. Roger, we all hope to see you catching touchdowns in heaven!
Celebration of Life Friday, October 24, 11:00 a.m., Minnetonka United Methodist Church, 17611 Lake Street Extension, Minnetonka. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to the American Cancer Society.