James Rogaczewski
James “Jake” Anthony Rogaczewski, 90, died Sunday, Dec. 6, 2020, at Aspirus Care and Rehab, Medford.
He was born Oct. 26, 1930, in Milwaukee, son of the late Edmund and Regina (Grzegorski) Rogaczewski. After graduating from Milwaukee Tech High School, he worked at Allen Bradley. In 1951, he was drafted for the Korean conflict. Upon his honorable discharge from the army, he attended the University of Wisconsin La Crosse Teaching School on the Montgomery GI Bill. In 1958, he moved to Athens for his first teaching job. There he met Elizabeth “Betty” Veronica Nowacki; they were married on Sept. 2, 1961, at St. Anthony Catholic Church, Athens.
He worked at Athens High School for 36 years where he taught P.E., U.S. and World History and was a guidance counselor. He also coached cross country, track, baseball, basketball and men’s volleyball. He continued to cheer on Athens High School’s sports teams for the rest of his life.
James was a huge history buff, enjoyed cheering on all Wisconsin sports teams, especially the Milwaukee Braves, and was an avid athlete himself. He played men’s softball and was one of the best bowlers Athens area alleys ever witnessed. Some of his other hobbies included squirrel hunting and golfing. Above all else, he loved spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren. He and Betty road tripped as far west as Wyoming and east as Pennsylvania to watch them participate in various sports and activities.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
Survivors include his wife, Betty; children: Ann (Aaron) Kuehmichel of Carol Stream, Ill., John Rogaczewski of Appleton, Robert Rogaczewski of Athens, Mark (Carrie) Rogaczewski of Sheridan, Wyo. and Tom (Renee) Rogaczewski of Oconomowoc; grandchildren: Theresa, Tara, Azra, Nicholas, Brooke, Scott, Katelin and Samantha; and a sister, Geraldine Grabarczyk of Milwaukee.
Visitation was at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 9, 2020, at St. Anthony Catholic Church, Athens. The funeral Mass was held at 11 a.m. Father George Graham presided. Current social distancing and masking protocols were followed. Burial was in Calvary Cemetery, Athens.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Athens VFW Post 8527 or Never Forgotten Honor Flight organization.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com.
Paid obituary 98291
