John "Jack" Rokusek
John J. "Jack" Rokusek, 86, of Dubuque passed away July 23, 2018 at Stonehill Care Center.
Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10 a.m. Saturday, July 28, 2018 at Holy Spirit Parish-Holy Trinity Catholic Church, with Rev. Dwayne Thoman officiating. Burial will be in Mount Calvary Cemetery. Military rites will be accorded. Friends may call from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m. Friday July 27th at Hoffmann Schneider and Kitchen Funeral Home and Cremation Service, 3860 Asbury Road where there will be a wake service at 6:30 p.m.
John was born December 29, 1931, in Dubuque, son of Johnny and Lucille (Williams) Rokusek. He married Julitta "Jill" Slaats, July 5, 1952, enjoying 66 years together. They were the proud parents of three daughters, Jan, Jeralyn "Jeri" and Jolene and one son, Jay. John was a...[more]
a devoted, loving and inspiring husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend who touched thousands of people's lives with his great sense of humor, generous spirit, and positive disposition.View Full Online Obituary and Tributes
He graduated from the former Loras Academy in 1949 and received a Business Degree at the former Bayless Business College in1951.
In 1952 he was inducted into the Korean War. He served as an instructor and made the rank of Sargent First Class in his two-year tender. He was honorably discharged in 1954.
For 30 years of his professional career John worked as a Supervisor in the Finance Division of John Deere Dubuque Works until his retirement in 1981. After retirement he was a part time courier at the former First National Bank for ten years.
John was a faithful member of Holy Spirit-Holy Trinity Catholic Church, frequently volunteering to do construction and maintenance in the church and school and was amongst the first to be installed as a Eucharistic Minister. His passion for woodworking led him to build homes, boats and many other wood crafts. He delighted in spending time on the river and was an avid athlete especially enjoying bowling, softball, horseshoe, and tennis. He also loved music and played the accordion and organ. John was truly a "Jack of all trades", frequently lending his time and talents to many relatives and friends. His selfless giving and fun spirit was rewarded by a lifetime of being surrounded by exceptional neighbors, family and friends who extended many acts of kindness and help to John.
Surviving is his wife, Julitta "Jill" Rokusek, of Dubuque; daughters, Jan Mussmann, of Waterloo, IA, Jeri (Terry) Noonan, of Iowa City, IA, and Jolene (Dave) Goedken, of Potosi, WI; grandchildren, Michelle and Angie Spadin and Casey Noonan; great-grandchildren, Alexis and Zachary Friedley; and many first cousins who were like brothers and sisters to him.
He was preceded in death by a son, Jay J. Rokusek, in 1986; parents, Johnny J. and Lucille Rokusek; a brother and sister-in-law, Cletus and Germaine Rokusek; mother and father-in-law, Oscar and Florence Slaats; and brother-in-laws Guerdon Slaats and Jerry Kuepers.
John's family wishes to thank the teams of caregivers at Oak Park Place, Medical Associates, Stonehill Health Center and Hospice for their dedicated service.
Family requests no flowers. A John J. Rokusek Memorial Fund has been established.
