Roy G. Rocke, of Antigo, died Wednesday, January 27, 2016 at Eastview Medical and Rehabilitation Center. He was 97 years old. He was born on February 18, 1918 in the Town of Neva a son of the late Otto and Mary (Schwartz) Rocke. He married Violet Schmutzer on July 13, 1946 at St. Wencel Catholic Church in Neva. She preceded him in death on December 26, 2009.

Roy attended Little Chicago School. He was drafted into the United States Army having served from 1941 to 1945, stationed in Australia.

He worked on a farm and at the Mattoon Hardware Store before working in the construction industry. He was a well-known carpenter in the area having been a foreman for TradeWell Construction for twenty years, Dun-Rite Exteriors for thirteen years and for McNeil West Construction for many years retiring in his eighties.

He was a member of the Noetzelman-Boodry American Legion Post 377, Elcho, the Leland Tollefson Veterans of Foreign War Post 2653, Antigo, and the Langlade County Voiture 1204, 40 et 8. He helped place over 700 flags at veteran graves in preparation for Memorial Day and in 2012 was able to go on the Honor Flight to Washington DC.

He was also a member of Royal Neighbors of America, the American Association of Retired Persons and was a charter member of C.A.R.

Mr. Rocke received the Citizen of the Year Award in 1991 and a Special Commendation Award in 1997 for his volunteer efforts throughout the community. Mr. Rocke was instrumental in establishing the Langlade County Food Pantry and continued to volunteer for many years. He was proud to support young women who were seeking an education in nursing through the National Nurses Training Club.

He enjoyed hunting, fishing and playing cards.

Survivors include daughter, Barbara Smejkal of Wausau; two granddaughters, Christina (Patrick) Winnie of Wausau, Jessica Smejkal of Atlanta, GA; three great-grandchild, Emily, Madeline and Terrel; a sister, Esther Schaefer of Muskego; a brother, Gayheart (Sachiko) Rocke of Muskego; and brother-in-law, Edward Schmutzer of Neva. He is further survived by many nieces and nephews.

In addition to his wife and parents he was preceded in death by two sisters, Harriett Albee and Evelyn Rocke; and four brothers, Leonard, Ray, Otto and Lawrence.

A funeral service will be held on Monday at 11 a.m. at Bradley Funeral Home with Reverend David Schmidt officiating. Entombment will take place in Queen of Peace Mausoleum. Visitation will be Monday from 10 a.m. until the time of service at the funeral home. Elcho veterans will conduct military honors at funeral home following the service.

A special thank you to the nurses and staff at Eastview who loved and supported him throughout the time he was there.