SPARTA - Roger Robert Jerome, 90, of Sparta, WI, passed away peacefully Monday, March 11, 2024, at Rolling Hills Senior Living in Sparta following a lengthy struggle with Alzheimer’s disease.
He was born the fourth of eleven children on November 15, 1933, to Maynard and Dorothy (Baker) Jerome on the family farm in Burns Township, La Crosse County, WI. He and his siblings attended Striped Elementary School in Burns. Roger attended Bangor High School for 2 years before leaving to help on the family farm.
Roger, a polka lover, met Ruthie Foellmi, at the Moonlight Pavilion in Cataract. On June 17, 1953, the two were wed at the Presbyterian Church in Bangor and they danced through life together.
Roger and Ruthie farmed for a short time before Roger enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1954. After basic training he was stationed in Germany. While in the Army he completed the requirements for his GED. He was recognized for that accomplishment when, fifty years later, the Bangor School Board presented him with his high school diploma.
Roger and Ruthie moved to Sparta in 1959, where they raised their three daughters. He held a variety of jobs, working at Jones Fairway, the VA Hospital and Fort McCoy where he stayed until his retirement in 1986. Roger was a lifetime member of the Sparta VFW Post 2112 and was proud to be a participant on a Freedom Honor Flight.
He was a skilled craftsman and tackled the complete remodeling of their home. Roger used his well-honed talent to build toys and games for his grandchildren. He also had a culinary flair, enjoying opportunities to entertain and make meals for his family. He looked forward to playing cards with anyone willing. Roger was a genuine and caring man who will be dearly missed by his wife & family.
Roger is survived by his wife of 70 years, Ruthie; three daughters, Sally (Mark) Erickson of Mauston, WI, MaryLou (Fred) Wittmann of Grand Forks, ND, and Robin (Dan) Kohls of Hatfield, WI; six grandchildren, Christopher Erickson (Josefine Hesse & her daughter Diamond), Adam (Alyssa) Erickson, Karina (Kyle) Knutson, Chelsea Wittmann (Liese Brown & her daughter Mia), Brent (Sara) Kohls and Tyler Kohls (Valerie Giacobbe); and great grandchildren, Clara Knutson, Simon Knutson and Owen Erickson. Also, Roger was a special grandpa to Maggie & Beth Isensee.
He is also survived by brothers: Maynard (Karen) Jerome, Sid (Karen) Jerome, and David (Margaret) Jerome; sisters: Dorothy Christianson, and Betty Graack; sisters-in-law, Joy Jerome and Jane Jerome; along with many nieces, nephews, other relatives and dear friends.
Roger was preceded in death by his brothers: Marvin, Harlan, and Raymond and his wife Eleanor, sisters: Delores and husband Larry Adams, Ruby and husband Norman Culpitt; along with two brothers-in-law, Manley Christianson, and Ernie Graack. The family would like to thank all of the staff of Rolling Hills Senior Living for the kind and compassionate care that was given to Roger.
A Memorial Service with full military honors will be held Saturday, April 6, 2024, 12:00 p.m. at Torkelson Funeral Home, 1132 Angelo Road, Sparta, WI. Pastor Priscilla Hemmersbach will officiate. Family and friends are invited for visitation Friday, April 5, 2024, 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Visitation will also be held on Saturday from 11:00 a.m. until the time of the service.
Online condolences may be offered at www.torkelsonfuneralhome.com.
Torkelson Funeral Home
