Roy G. Rocke, of Antigo, died Wednesday, January 27, 2016 at Eastview Medical and Rehabilitation Center. He was 97 years old. He was born on February 18, 1918 in the Town of Neva a son of the late Otto and Mary (Schwartz) Rocke. He married Violet Schmutzer on July 13, 1946 at St. Wencel Catholic Church in Neva. She preceded him in death on December 26, 2009.

He attended Little Chicago Grade School. Mr. Rocke was drafted during World War II and served in the United States Army from 1941 to 1945, stationed in Australia.

His employment history began with working on a farm and then the Mattoon Hardware Store before becoming employed in the construction industry. He was a well-known carpenter in the area having been a foreman for TradeWell Construction for twenty years, Dun-Rite Exteriors for thirteen years and for McNeil West Construction for many years retiring in his eighties.

He was a member of the Noetzelman-Boodry American Legion Post 377, Elcho and the Leland Tollefson Veterans of Foreign War Post 2653, Antigo. He was a past Chef de Gar Passe of the Langlade County Voiture 1204, 40 et 8 and an advocate of their nurses scholarship program. He helped place over 700 flags annually on veteran graves in preparation for Memorial Day and in 2012 was able to go on the Honor Flight to Washington, D.C.

He was also a member of Royal Neighbors of America, the American Association of Retired Persons and a charter member of Community Association of Retirees.

Mr. Rocke received the Langlade Chamber of Commerce Citizen of the Year Award in 1991 and a Special Commendation Award from Security Bank in 1997 for his volunteer efforts throughout the community. He was instrumental in establishing the Langlade County Food Pantry where he continued to volunteer for many years.

He enjoyed hunting, fishing and playing cards.

Survivors include daughter, Barbara Smejkal of Wausau; two granddaughters, Christina (Patrick) Winnie of Wausau, Jessica Smejkal of Atlanta, GA; three great-grandchild, Emily, Madeline and Terrel; a sister, Esther Schaefer of Muskego; a brother, Gayheart (Sachiko) Rocke of Muskego; and brother-in-law, Edward Schmutzer of Neva. He is further survived by many nieces and nephews.

In addition to his wife and parents he was preceded in death by two sisters, Harriett Albee and Evelyn Rocke; and four brothers, Leonard, Ray, Otto and Lawrence.

A funeral service will be held on Monday at 11 a.m. at Bradley Funeral Home with Reverend David Schmidt officiating. Entombment will take place in Queen of Peace Mausoleum. Visitation will be Monday from 10 a.m. until the time of service at the funeral home. Elcho veterans will conduct military honors at funeral home following the service.

A special thank you to the nurses and staff at Eastview who loved and supported him throughout the time he was there.

Services