Roger J. Mikolai, age 87, of Wells, died Monday, April 18, 2005, at his home in rural Wells.

Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m. Thursday, April 21, at St. Casimir Catholic Church in Wells, with the Rev. Eugene Stenzel officiating, and a rosary service at 9:15 a.m. at the church. Visitation will be held at Bruss-Heitner Funeral Home in Wells on Wednesday from 4 to 8 p.m., with a prayer service at 6:30 p.m., and visitation one hour prior to services at church on Thursday. Interment will be in St. Casimir Cemetery in Wells.

Roger was born on Aug. 8, 1917, in Wells, the son of Albert and Anna (Schultz) Mikolai. He was married to Joan Willaert on June 3, 1946, at St. Peter and Paul s Catholic Church in Mankato. Roger retired in 1981 after farming for 50 years in the Wells area. During his retirement he spent time gardening, landscaping, working on home projects, helping his children with their projects, enjoying his grandchildren, and occasional travel. He was a lifelong member of St. Casimir Catholic Church, the Rosary Society, and graduated from St. Casimir School in 1932.

He is survived by his wife, Joan, and their seven children: Dorothy and friend Patrick O’Connor of Lino Lakes, Minn., Kenneth of Wells, Thomas and Barbara of Hopkins,

Michael and Gloria Briar of Pemberton, Randy of Minneapolis, Greg and Kellie of Palisade, Colo., and Lisa and Bob Long of Miami, Fla.; and grandchildren: Tricia, Jeremy, Barry, Timothy, Mindi, Bridger, Logan, Denny and Suzanne. His sister, Irene White of Albert Lea also survives, as do several nieces and nephews.

Roger was preceded in death by his parents; his sister. Helen; and three brothers: Anselm, Bernard and Raymond.

The joy of his life was his family, the work he loved, and his projects. Roger would not want you to grieve for him. He was ready; he was dedicated to his religion and his beliefs. He was a humble and unpretentious man, a man of moral integrity and unwavering values. Tell someone a joke, an amusing story, or make someone laugh with Roger in mind.