Knights hold fundraisers for ailing brother

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Since 2009, life for Roch Hannasch and his family has been a roller coaster ride. In January of that year they took their first plummet as Roch was diagnosed with a brain tumor. He had surgery and things looked up.

But the downs came again when tumors reoccurred in 2010 and 2012. Along the way, Roch also suffered several strokes that have affected his speech and movement on the right side of his body.

Roch hasn’t been able to work since 2009. His wife, Lori, worked up until September of 2012 but when Roch had his second stroke, she quit to care for him full time.

The couple have four children Michelle, 17, Kyle, 18, Gabrielle, 21, and Brandon, 24.

While the downs have been plentiful, Lori said their family has been lifted up through continuous support through their family and church. The Hannasch family has been members of St. Joseph Church since 1991. Roch is a Brother Knight in the Rosemount Knights of Columbus.

Since the beginning of Roch’s illness, Lori said, the Knights of Columbus have provided critical care. His brother knights have driven Roch to doctor’s appointments, provided meals, given financial support and offered a shoulder to cry on.

“The outpouring of support has been unbelievable. They are a wonderful group,” said Lori.

The Rosemount Knights of Columbus will step in again this month, donating proceeds from two events to the family. The KCs will hold a spaghetti dinner at 6 p.m. Jan. 12 in the St. Joseph Social Hall. All proceeds will go the Roch Benefit Fund.

Additionally, the group will host a pancake breakfast at 9:30 a.m. Jan. 27 at St. Joseph Social Hall. Again, proceeds will go to the benefit fund. Donations to the family can also be made to the Roch Benefit Fund, c/o Anchor Bank, in Eagan 1360 Duckwood Dr.

Lori said the family would like prayers as well.

To learn more about Roch’s story and the Hannasch family visit www.caringbridge.org/visit/roch.

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