Roger Arthur Osbeck, age 102, passed away peacefully on March 22, 2026 at his daughter’s home in Delano, MN. Roger was born on August 13, 1923 in Cokato, MN and was one of 11 children of Swedish immigrant parents, Charles and Ellen Osbeck. He was raised in Cokato, MN and as a young adult moved to Minneapolis. He married Violet Garrow on October 7, 1950 in Minneapolis and they resided there until moving to Golden Valley in 1956. Together they raised 4 daughters, and dad always said he was a king with 5 queens!
He was self-employed in painting and decorating for most of his working life, and he especially loved refinishing furniture. He was a member of Painters Local 386 and was proud to receive his 75-year pin in 2025. Roger liked to keep busy and was a jack-of-all trades when it came to family, friends, and neighbors and he was never at a loss for work. There wasn’t anything he couldn’t fix if he had paint, caulk, duct tape and a screwdriver! He was often heard to say “save your money and buy tools!” Upon Violet’s death in 2018, Roger moved to Hanover, MN to live with one of his daughters, and they eventually moved to Delano, MN.
Roger will be dearly missed, and is survived by 4 daughters, Dawn Boh of Verona, WI, Sharon (Mark) Flaten of Wayzata, MN, Sandy Dybing of North Mankato, MN, Diane Zachary of Delano, MN, 9 grandchildren, 11 great grandchildren, and several friends and relatives. He was preceded in death by his wife Violet of 67 years, sons-in-law Larry Boh and Rodney Dybing, and 10 siblings (Esther, Carl, Maryon, Edith, Bill, Ann, Donald, Lucille, Russell, and Clifford).
The family wishes to thank Dr. Randy Peterson (Allina Health in St. Michael) for several years of dad’s care, and Adara Home Health Care and St. Croix Hospice for their wonderful care and assistance during his last 2 weeks.
At Roger’s request, a private family graveside service will be held. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be given to the Cokato Historical Society, 175 4th St. SW, P.O.Box 686, Cokato, MN 55321-0686.