Ernest Henry Roecker

Ernest Henry Roecker was born June 4, 1913, at Greeley, in Anderson County, Kansas. He was the son of Peter Jacob and Mary Theresa (Feuerborn) Roecker. Ernest grew up in Greeley, Kansas. He also lived in Ottawa, Kansas, for a year, before moving to the Peoria Community in 1961, where he made his home until his death Thursday, July 31, 2003, at the age of ninety years. He attended school in Greeley, Kansas. Ernest was a farmer. He was also employed by three different lumber yards in Ottawa, Hubbard, Nuzman, and Ottawa Lumber. For thirty-five years, he was co-owner and operator of Peoria Upholstery Shop with his wife. Ernest was a member of Ruhamah Baptist Church in Rantoul; Aerie Lodge #2700, Fraternal Order of Eagles, Ottawa, thirty-seven years; and, fifteen-year member of Polka Club of America. Ernest was a dedicated family man, who helped raise three grandchildren. He was also a devoted friend to so many, loved to visit, and was always helping others. He also loved to dance and enjoyed calling square dances. Ernest was united in marriage with Jessie Mersham. She preceded him in death. On January 10, 1960, he was united in marriage with Alice A. Bauer in Rantoul. She survives of their home. He is also survived by six sons, Wesley Roecker and his wife, Beverly, of Chanute, Kansas, Robert Roecker and his wife, Linda, of Buena Vista, Colorado, Doyle Roecker and his wife, Mary Ann, of Edgerton, Missouri, Eldon Roecker and his wife, Betty Ann, of Baldwin City, Kansas, LeRoy Roecker and his wife, Sharon of Louisburg, Kansas, Douglas Roecker of Ottawa, Kansas; two brothers, Everett Roecker and his wife, Geneva, of Richmond, Kansas, Alfred Roecker and his wife, Mary, of Williamsburg, Kansas; sister, Eletta Martin of Ottawa, Kansas; eighteen grandchildren; and, thirty great-grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Dixie Lee Spencer, 1986; sister, Esther Burroughs, 1964; one grandson; and, two granddaughters. SERVICES: Funeral services will be held from Dengel & Son Mortuary 10:00 a.m. Monday, August 4, 2003. OFFICIATING CLERGY: Pastor Rick Dunn. IN STATE: Mr. Roecker will lie in state after 1:00 p.m. Saturday at Dengel & Son Mortuary to service hour, where the family will meet with friends 4 to 5:00 p.m. Sunday. CEMETERY: Ruhamah Cemetery, Rantoul, Kansas. MEMORIALS: The family suggests memorials to the Dixie Lee (Roecker) Spencer Scholarship Fund at Rosalia High School in Rosalia, Kansas, c/o Dengel & Son Mortuary, 235 S. Hickory, Ottawa, Kansas 66067. Condolences may be e-mailed to the family through www.dengelmortuary.com.