John Donald Joseph Roehl of West Bend was called home on his 85th birthday, June 6, 2016. John was born on June 6, 1931 in Milwaukee to Othmar J. and Ceal A. (nee Hertel) Roehl. He married Elizabeth Laura (nee Schmidt) on September 5, 1953.
John leaves behind his loving wife, Elizabeth (nee Schmidt), of 62 years and children Debra (Paul) Nelles, Margaret Buck, John (Leah), Donald (Wendy), and Kristine (John) Van Alstyne, and son-in-law, Toby (Patty) Netko. John was admired by his grandchildren Nicole (Peter), Rebecca, Andrew, Joseph, Adam (Erin), Eryn (David), Kasie (Mackenzie), Kaitlin, Sydney, Jacob, David, Miranda, Tyler, Noah, Ryan, Randi, Sophie, & Codie; cherished great-grandfather of Jett, Elizabeth, Eliza, Victoria, Audrey, and Peter. John is also survived by his sister, Elizabeth (Ken) Kasun, and brother, Carl (Janet).
A 1949 graduate of Marquette High School, he went on to pursue his electrical engineering and M.B.A. at Marquette University. He worked at Wisconsin Electric Power Company for 38 years before retiring in 1992.
An Eagle Scout and Order of the Arrow member himself, John served as the Scoutmaster for Fifth Ave. Methodist Church’s Boy Scout Troop 780 for 6 years in the 1980’s. He remained active in scouting throughout his life and was honored with the Silver Beaver Award in 1987 for his years of dedication and service.
John proudly served as cemeterian of the Cedar Creek Cemetery from 1995 to 2015.
Throughout his life, John enjoyed travelling and camping with his family. He was an avid fan of the Green Bay Packers and stock car racing. He enjoyed bowling, sailing, flying, fishing, and creating model railroads.
Preceding him in death was his daughter, Elizabeth Kathryn Netko, his brother, Gerald, his parents, Othmar & Ceal (nee Hertel), and his special father and mother-in-law, George & Elizabeth (nee Linder) Schmidt.
A private Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to: St. Joseph’s Indian School, 1301 N Main St., Chamberlain, SD 57325.
The family would like to thank Dr. Klausmeier, Ben & Jessica from Seasons Hospice, and Nurse Kelly & The Lighthouse Staff for their gentle and compassionate care of John through his journey.