Roger Hutchings

Roger Hutchings, a resident of Hibbing, MN, passed away on Sunday March 14, 2021 at his home surrounded by his family. He was 79 years old. Roger was born to Ray and Laila Hutchings on February 11, 1942 in Elbow Lake, MN. In his early years he attended a country school and worked on a farm with his family. This is where he got his first taste of fixing farm equipment with his dad. He spent his junior high/high school years in Park Rapids. His dad worked as a mechanic at the Dodge Plymouth dealership where Roger spent many afternoons working with him and learning to fix things. Roger said his dad was a very hard worker and taught him carpentry, electrical work, and how to fix most anything. At the age of 16 Roger left home and moved to Minneapolis. Shortly after he joined the National Guard and then went on to join the Army. While serving in the Army, he was initially destined for Vietnam but plans were changed and he was sent to Germany instead. He served in the Third Armored Division as a Spec-5. Roger came home in 1967 and was reacquainted with his brother-in-law's sister, Mary Edelman. They married on June 1, 1968 at Lake George Bible Chapel. They built a home in Hibbing, MN where they went on to have four children, Clint, Kelly, Mindy, and Stephanie. He worked as a mechanic for Hanna Mining Company, National Steel, and US Steel where he retired. After retirement, Roger filled in as an instructor at the Hibbing Community College teaching a maintenance mechanic program. He fully enjoyed and was proud of this position. He was a member of the Hibbing and Chisholm Assembly of God churches. He served in the church as a Royal Ranger leader, board member, Sunday School teacher and youth leader. He used his carpentry skills for the church anytime he was needed. During retirement he and Mary joined the MAPS program which is a program designed to build churches throughout the US. They spent two winters in Texas and also did work in Fergus Falls and Alexandria. He had also previously went on a missions trip to Mexico where he helped build a church. He really loved building churches and working with the people there. Roger loved using his skills to help anyone in need. He enjoyed family time, family dinners, and many holiday traditions. He loved camping, telling stories, playing games, westerns, family reunions, traveling with Mary, anything John Wayne, below zero weather tracking and tinkering outside in the garage. He also loved going to watch his grandkids participate in any and all activities. Roger was a hardworking, faithful, generous, loving man who loved the Lord. He is greatly missed and loved by many. Visitation will be held from 12:30 to 2 p.m., followed by services at 2 p.m., Saturday, March 27, 2021 at the Chrisholm (Minn) Baptist church., Interment will be 1 p.m. Sunday, March 28, in Lake George Cemetery. Military honors will be provided by Star of the North Marine Corp League.