Donald A. Roe, age 89, of Oshkosh, died Saturday evening, May 2, 2009 at Park View Health Center. Born on April 24, 1920 in Oshkosh to Charles and Mae (Mather) Roe, Don married June Nehmer, August 1947, in Oshkosh. June preceded Don in death on March 15, 2006.
A graduate of Oshkosh High School in 1939, Don enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Corps during WWII. Serving 39 months of service (19 months overseas in Africa and Italy) with the Army Air Corps 15th Division, he received a Good Conduct Medal and a Presidential Citation with Gold Oak Leaf Cluster for escorting President Roosevelt to the summit meeting with Churchill and Stalin. Don received an honorable discharged from duty in August 1945 obtaining the rank of Corporal.
Don was a long-time member of First English Lutheran Church, where he was an usher for over 20 years, and sang in the church choir. He was employed by Rockwell International as a machinist for 23 years before retiring on April 24, 1985. Don was also a member of Cook-Fuller American Legion Post #70 and UAW Local #291. Ballroom dancing was a favorite pastime for Don and June throughout their married life.
A true Wisconsin sportsman, Don enjoyed hunting, fishing, and golfing. Not only an outdoorsman, he also spent time watching Wisconsin sports on TV, including the Wisconsin Badger Football and Basketball teams, Milwaukee Brewer Baseball, and the Milwaukee Bucks, but Don especially loved to watch his favorite team, Green Bay Packers, with David and Tony.
Surviving are two sons, David (Chris) Roe of Oshkosh and Michael Roe of Milwaukee; a grandson, Tony of Oshkosh; a niece, Sally Roe; and a nephew, Robert (Jean) Roe; and other family members. Preceding Don in death were his wife, parents, a brother and sister-in-law, Floyd and Edna Roe.
Funeral services will be conducted on Tuesday, May 5, 2009 at 1:00 p.m. in Seefeld Family of Funeral Chapels, 1025 Oregon Street. Interment will take place at Peace Lutheran Cemetery with military honors provided by United Veterans Honor Guard. A time of visitation and sharing of memories will be held on Tuesday from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. at the funeral chapel. To the nurses and staff at Park View Health Center, a heart-felt thank you for the care given to Don during his stay there. Please visit www.seefeldfuneral.com to send online condolences to the family.
Seefeld Funeral and Cremation Services
(920) 236-7750