Roger A. Willette, 84

Formerly of Blue Earth – MSgt Roger A. Willette, USAF Ret., 84, husband of Binkey P. “Betty” McGee Willette, died Tuesday, April 7, 2026, at Prisma Health Tuomey Hospital.

Born June 20, 1941, in Blue Earth, Minnesota, he was a son of the late Aloysius David Willette and the late Margaret Gruis Willette. Mr. Willette grew up in southern Minnesota and attended both Catholic and public schools. After graduation from Blue Earth High School, he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force.

Roger and his wife Betty met and were married at Shaw AFB Chapel. They traveled many places throughout his military career, including Germany, Minnesota, Texas, Florida and Japan.

Mr. Willette received several commendations throughout his military service, including the Bronze Sar while deployed during the Vietnam Conflict. Roger also retired from the U.S. Postal Service after 20 years of service.

His greatest joy was spending time with his wife of more than sixty years. His favorite pastime was playing golf with his buddies from the church group and traveling back home for many fishing trips.

Mr. Willette was an active member of St Anne St. and Jude Catholic Church where he served as an usher for many years. He was also a life member of the DAV Gamecock Chapter 5, American Legion Post 15, and Knights of Columbus Council 2207.

Survivors in addition to his wife include a daughter, Dana Marie Willette of Sumter; a sister, Donna Kelsey of Hustisford, WI, and a brother, Al Willette (Judy) of Green Valley, AZ. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by an infant son, Robert Michael Willette.

A funeral mass will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, April 13, 2026, at St. Anne and St. Jude Catholic Church officiated by the Fr. Ronie Lorcha, CRM. Burial will be at a later date. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Sunday, April 12, 2026, at Elmore-Cannon- Stephens Funeral Home with the Rosary Prayer at 7 p.m. You may visit the family other times at the home. Memorials may be sent to the Wounded Warrior Project https://www.woundedwarriorproject.org or Shriners Hospital for Children https://donate.shrinerschildrens.org/Elmore-Cannon-Stephens Funeral Home and Crematorium of Sumter is in charge of the arrangements.