Jerry Roch

LOGAN, Utah ― Jerry Roch, 89, died Wednesday, Aug. 12, 1998, at Regional Hospital, Logan, Utah, after an extended illness due to Parkinson's disease.

He was born June 27, 1909, in Minneapolis, Minn., the only son and the youngest of the four children of Marie and Josef Roch.  His childhood and schooling were in Minneapolis, and, upon graduation from high school, he joined the work force, and ultimately began his career with the USDA-Forest Service.  During this career, he was promoted and transferred to various locales, finally holding the position of Assistant Chief, Division of Station Management, Lake States Forest Experiment Station in St. Paul, Minn.  He retired from the Forest Service after more than 30 years of service.

Jerry married Rose Elizabeth Straka, who grew up near Cadott, and who he met when both were participating in a Sokol Festival in Cadott in 1931, on July 6, 1935, in Minneapolis.  During their life together, both participated in many Sokol activities, and Jerry is well-remembered for his contributions there, which included acting as President of the St. Paul unit, chairing picnics and dances, and participating in and helping with many activities.  Rose and Jerry loved to travel, and toured every state in the U.S. and many other countries as well.  After retirement, Jerry and Rose moved to Logan, Utah, where Jerry was instrumental in promoting programs and building activities at the Cache Senior Center.

He is survived by his wife, Rose, of Logan, Utah; one daughter, Eleanor (James) Watson of Logan, Utah; one son, James (Mary Ann) Roch of Phoenix, Ariz.; seven grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and three sisters.

A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 27 at the Leiser Funeral Home, Cadott, with the Rev. George Olinske officiating.  Burial of cremains will be in the Bohemian National Cemetery in the town of Arthur.

Source: Obituary, Jerry Roch, The Cadott Sentinel, 24 August 1998