Roger “Mac” Paul McCabe, 81, of rural Harmony, Minnesota, passed away peacefully on Sunday, September 22, 2024, at St. Mary’s Hospital in Rochester, surrounded by loved ones.
Roger was born on September 25, 1942, at his family home in Amherst Township, Fillmore County. Roger was the son of Richard and Gladys (Ryan) McCabe. He grew up on the family farm, attending a local country school before enlisting in the United States Navy in 1960. During his service, Roger learned the trade of welding, a skill that would define much of his professional life. After his honorable discharge in 1963, Roger put his talents to work on the pipeline in northern Minnesota and later at Todd’s Shipyard in Seattle, Washington.
Eventually, Roger returned to Minnesota, where he built his final home on family land and founded McCabe Welding, operating his own shop from his farm in rural Harmony. He also worked at ABC in Caledonia, retiring in 2008. Despite his varied professional endeavors, Roger remained deeply committed to farming, living and working on his farm until his final days.
Roger’s personal journey was marked by strength, resilience, and an unmistakable sense of humor. Known for his sharp wit and quick sarcasm, he could always lighten a moment with a perfectly timed joke. Whether he was sharing a laugh at the card table or ribbing a friend in conversation, Roger’s humor was as constant as it was cherished.
He was proud of his 44 years of sobriety, and the bonds he forged within the Alcoholics Anonymous community were especially meaningful to him. Roger held his AA family close to his heart, and his dedication to both his sobriety and helping others was unwavering. He was a source of strength and laughter for many
A man of kindness, selflessness, and deep connection, Roger found joy in the simple pleasures—playing cards, sharing stories, and spending time with friends and family. His warmth, generosity, and steadfast spirit left an everlasting mark on all who knew him. Roger’s legacy is one of hard work, devotion, and compassion. He touched countless lives with his jokes, kindness, and generous spirit. He will be dearly missed by those fortunate enough to have crossed his path.
Roger is survived by two daughters Angela (Randall) Rasmussen of Marquette, Michigan, and Hannah Wolf (Owen Smith) of Winona; grandchildren Talyn and Nora Rasmussen, Gage Zorza, and Ryan and Ashley McCabe; siblings Charles McCabe of Chatfield, Orvin McCabe of Georgia, Rosella Peterson of Harmony, Donna (Joe) Weber of Rochester, and Marilyn (Joe) Schorr of Lanesboro; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his son, Richard; and siblings Darlene Hulett, Alice McCabe, James McCabe, George McCabe, Grace Reicks, and Steve McCabe.
A Celebration of Life will be held from 5 - 8 PM Thursday, October 3 rd at the Preston Servicemen’s Club. Interment will be held at 1 PM Friday, October 4 th at the Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery in Preston, Minnesota. In lieu of flowers, memorials to the Lanesboro Legion or Sunrise Recovery Center, Spring Grove, are preferred. |
