Obituary of Roger M. Rockman

ROCKMAN, Roger M., 81, of Brandon, FL and Cecil, WI passed away on October 11, 2011, the 56th anniversary of his marriage, after a courageous battle with cancer. Roger was born in Shawano, WI on May 1, 1930 to Peder and Alvina Rockman. He attended Cecil State Grade School and Bonduel High School. In 1947, he enlisted in the US Air Force and served in the Japan Occupation forces and the Korean War. In 1954, while stationed at McCord AFB in Seattle, he met and married his beloved spouse, Gretchen. In 1963, their son Carl was born at Westover AFB in Massachusetts and from there the family moved to different stations including Cheyenne WY; Vandenberg AFB, CA and Clark AB Philippines. In 1972, Roger retired from the USAF and thanks to great friends Ed Dryer and George Tyler was able to connect with General Telephone Company where he dedicated another 17 years of service. In 1999, Gretchen passed away, leaving a great void in his life. For the next 12 years he carried on, enjoying time with his family, friends and favorite poochie, Gracie. Roger was a 24 year veteran of the US Air Force, and a 17 year employee of General Telephone Company of FL. He loved his family, his country, cold beer and the Green Bay Packers. He was preceded in death by is wife of 41 years, Gretchen; his father and mother, Alvina and Peder and bother Alvin. He is survived by his son, Carl; daughter in law, Andrea; granddaughter, Katie; numerous nieces and nephews and great friends who he loved dearly. Roger would like to thank the people who cared for him at the end including Ed Stockley; LifePath Hospice and the team at Delainy Creek Lodge. A funeral service to honor his life will take place at 2:00 p.m. on Friday at Hillsboro Memorial Funeral Home. The interment and military honors will follow at Hillsboro Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Roger’s memory to LifePath Hospice. ** The Family would like to invite all to a reception at Barnacles, 926 Providence Rd. Brandon, FL. 33511 Between 4:00 P.M. & 7:00 P.M. to continue the celebration of Rogers Life.