Roger Thomas Weckel
March 28th, 1933 - April 28th, 2026
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Roger's Obituary
Roger Thomas Weckel, 93, of St. Joseph, died Tuesday, April 28, at his home surrounded by his loving family.
Roger’s Celebration of Life Service will take place at a later date. Arrangements have been entrusted to Starks & Menchinger Chapel, 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph. Those wishing to sign Roger’s Memory Book online may do so at www.starks.menchinger-com. Memorial donations in Roger’s name can be made to an animal shelter of one’s choice, Shriner Children’s Hospital or, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
Roger was born March 28, 1933, in Chicago, Illinois, to Howard and Lenore (Griffin) Weckel. He grew up in a very close knit family which included his brother – Howard and Theodore. He loved sailing on Magician Lake in Sister Lakes, and part of the “Blue Crew”, known for their enthusiasm for the water as well as, brewskies.
After high school graduation, Roger enlisted in the United States Army as a cook. He would often joke that he didn’t know how to cook for less than 200 men. Roger met and married the love of his life, Rita Hulka, June 4, 1960, in Chicago. His favorite time was with Rita, raising their son, Patrick. After serving in the Army, he attended and graduated from DeVry Institute of Technology. Roger spent his career working as a repair technician for General Telephone and Electronics.
Roger was preceded in death by his parents – Howard and Lenore Weckel; and brothers – Howard Weckel II and Theodore Weckel. He is survived by his wife – Rita; son – Patrick; grandchildren – Taylor Marie and Zachary Thomas Weckel; numerous nieces and nephews and, his cat – JoJo.
Roger will be remembered for enjoying the water, both inland lake sports or, walking the bluff daily, frequenting his favorite restaurant, Thornton’s Hometown Café in St. Joseph, where he was known to always include a $2 bill in the tip.
Roger was a member of the Sister Lakes Lions Club, where he served as President in 1977 and ’78. In addition to this, Roger’s service to his community included training 2 leader dogs for the blind.
Roger will be dearly missed by all who loved and knew him.
Roger’s Celebration of Life Service will take place at a later date. Arrangements have been entrusted to Starks & Menchinger Chapel, 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph. Those wishing to sign Roger’s Memory Book online may do so at www.starks.menchinger-com. Memorial donations in Roger’s name can be made to an animal shelter of one’s choice, Shriner Children’s Hospital or, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
Roger was born March 28, 1933, in Chicago, Illinois, to Howard and Lenore (Griffin) Weckel. He grew up in a very close knit family which included his brother – Howard and Theodore. He loved sailing on Magician Lake in Sister Lakes, and part of the “Blue Crew”, known for their enthusiasm for the water as well as, brewskies.
After high school graduation, Roger enlisted in the United States Army as a cook. He would often joke that he didn’t know how to cook for less than 200 men. Roger met and married the love of his life, Rita Hulka, June 4, 1960, in Chicago. His favorite time was with Rita, raising their son, Patrick. After serving in the Army, he attended and graduated from DeVry Institute of Technology. Roger spent his career working as a repair technician for General Telephone and Electronics.
Roger was preceded in death by his parents – Howard and Lenore Weckel; and brothers – Howard Weckel II and Theodore Weckel. He is survived by his wife – Rita; son – Patrick; grandchildren – Taylor Marie and Zachary Thomas Weckel; numerous nieces and nephews and, his cat – JoJo.
Roger will be remembered for enjoying the water, both inland lake sports or, walking the bluff daily, frequenting his favorite restaurant, Thornton’s Hometown Café in St. Joseph, where he was known to always include a $2 bill in the tip.
Roger was a member of the Sister Lakes Lions Club, where he served as President in 1977 and ’78. In addition to this, Roger’s service to his community included training 2 leader dogs for the blind.
Roger will be dearly missed by all who loved and knew him.
Memorial Contributions
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