Obituary: Gerald Henry Roecker
Gerald Henry Roecker, age 85, of Loganville, passed away on December 10, 2024. Born on October 5, 1939, he was the son of Martin and Ella (Roewer) Roecker.
On June 16, 1962, he was united in marriage to Margaret (Thieding) Roecker. Together, they shared 62 years of love, companionship, and cherished memories.
Gerald was baptized and confirmed at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Loganville, where he was a lifelong member. His faith played an important role in his life, and he was actively involved in the church throughout the years.
He attended Loganville Elementary School and Reedsburg High School before graduating from Madison Area Technical College with a focus on Vocational Agriculture. Furthering his education, Gerald completed many firefighter training courses and proudly served in the Army Reserves.
Gerald’s life revolved around his beloved dairy farm. He devoted his heart and soul to the farm, which became a cornerstone of his life. It was an honor for the family to host the Sauk County Dairy Breakfast in 1993. In 2007, Gerald and Margaret were named Butterfest King & Queen. The family saying “From sun up to sun down, there’s never a dull moment at Roecker’s Rolling Acres,” encapsulated his passion for farming and his family.
His commitment to the community was evident through 58 years of service with the Loganville Area Fire Department, including 15 years as Fire Chief. Gerald also enjoyed John Deere tractors, tractor pulls, NASCAR, playing euchre, and making old fashions. In his younger years, he was fond of roller skating, square dancing, and bowling. He took great joy in attending the activities of his children and grandchildren, always supporting their endeavors.
Surviving Gerald are his wife, Margaret; children Randy Roecker (Linda Korklewski) and Rebecca (Roecker) Ryan; grandchildren Ryanne (James) Hiner Jr. and Ross (Danielle) Roecker; great-grandchildren Julianne, Evelyn, and Robert Hiner; his sister, Lois (Roecker) Kopf; brother-in-law, William (Diana) Thieding; aunt, Marion (Schlieckau) Roecker; as well as several cousins, nieces, and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Martin and Ella Roecker; in-laws Herman and Anna (Raedel) Thieding; brother-in-law, Gordon Kopf; sister-in-law, Adeline (Thieding) (LaVern) Peper, and Verdi Peper; and nephews, Terry Thieding, and Paul Peper.
A funeral service was held on Monday, December 16, 2024, at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Loganville. Visitation began at 9:30 AM, with the service following at 11:30 AM. Burial took place at St. Peter’s Cemetery following the service. Memorial contributions may be made to the Loganville Area Fire Department or St. Peter’s Lutheran Church of Loganville.
The Farber Funeral Home, Reedsburg, is assisting the family
Gerald will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all who knew him. His legacy of hard work, community involvement, faith, and love for his family will live on in the hearts of those fortunate enough to have shared in his life.
