Jerry H. Roesler

Jerome “Jerry” Roesler of La Crosse, Wisconsin, loving husband, father and grandfather, passed away peacefully on December 12, 2022, at 80 years old.  Jerry was born on September 8, 1942 to Kenneth and Irene Roesler.  He graduated from Aquinas High School in 1960.  Jerry married his wife, Elizabeth “Betty” Olson on October 24, 1964 and they enjoyed 58 beautiful years together.

Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, Kenneth and Irene Roesler.  He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Betty, their 4 children: Tim Roesler and his wife Marcene Kandra of Phoenix, AZ; Terry Roesler and wife Shannon (Lee) of Onalaska, WI; Janis Wescott and her husband Sean of Ponte Vedra Beach, FL; Todd and his wife Katherine (Davy) of Third Lake, IL; grandchildren Alec, Sarah, Julia, Hailey, Sydnee and Sawyer; siblings Barbara (Larry) Quillin, Mary (Jeff) Kent, Bernie (Judy) Roesler, Pat (Kathy) Roesler as well as many nieces and nephews.

Jerry began working for the Diocese of LaCrosse in 1964, retiring in 2017 after 54 years of employment.  Jerry was a fixture at Holy Cross Diocesan Center where he worked as the Director of maintenance.  He was able to fix and maintain just about anything and his positive and upbeat attitude was appreciated by all the staff and retired priests.  Jerry and Betty raised their family on the Holy Cross grounds and lived in the apartment attached to the power plant for 58 years.  

In addition to his talents working for the Diocese, Jerry joined the Shelby Fire Department in 1966 as a volunteer firefighter.  Throughout his more than 50 years of service, he served in many positions including Captain and First Responder.  He helped to run the first successful Shelby Fire Department Chicken-Q fundraiser in 1966 which continues to this day.  Jerry was seen as a leader and mentor in the department, guiding many young firefighters in their training.  In 2017, Jerry was named First Responder of the Year by the state of Wisconsin. Jerry was most proud of his motto that he shared often with his co-workers, “Compassion is always in style.”

One of Jerry’s many passions was farming.  He was raised on his parents’ farm on Highway 14 and from a young age, developed a strong work ethic.  Over the years, he grew a variety of crops and raised 35 or more steers annually.  In addition to helping out at his parents’ farm, he farmed over 110 acres of his own on the ridge off of County Road N and started a combine harvesting business with his cousin, Yellow Gold Harvesting Company.

Jerry loved spending time with family and was an active member of St. Pius then Mary, Mother of the Church parishes. He was fond of spending time with his family and adored family celebrations for baptisms, 4th of July, 1st communions, and weddings.  He especially looked forward to the annual Roesler family picnic attended by many branches of the Roesler family. He also loved polka music and never missed a chance to work his way across a dance floor.

The family would like to thank Brookdale of LaCrosse as well as Mayo Clinic Hospice who took such good care of Jerry in his final months.

The Mass of Christian Burial for Jerry will be held at 10:30 AM on Saturday, December 17 at Mary, Mother of the Church Parish of La Crosse, 2006 Weston Street, LaCrosse, WI. Friends and family may call from 4:00 to 7:00 PM on Friday, December 16 at Mary, Mother of the Church as well as one hour prior to the Mass on Saturday from 9:30 to 10:30 AM.