Kenneth E. Roman

Kenneth E. ‘Papa’ Roman, 93, of La Crosse, passed away on Tuesday, March 22, 2016 at Bethany – Riverside Nursing Facility in La Crosse. Papa was born on July 25, 1922 in Clinton, Iowa to Clyde and Barbara (O’Neill) Roman. He lived and worked in Iowa until enlisting in the U.S. Army in November of 1942. He then became a medic working on the front lines for the Artillery of the 76th Division before being honorably discharged in February of 1946. He then moved to Madison, Wisconsin working at Reynolds Transfer for 5 years then Gateway Transportation for 25 years before retiring. He was a proud member of the Teamsters Million Mile Club and American Legion Post 336 of Onalaska. He married Jeanette ‘Mama’ Russell in 1950. Their marriage lasted 56 years with her passing away in 2006. You could then find him visiting her every day at the cemetery until he moved to Bethany Riverside.
Papa is survived by his step-daughter Judy (Ron) Hare, step-daughter in-law Sandy Russell, grandchildren Barbara (Jim) Schmalz, Jeff Hare, Rich (Michelle) Hare, Jeremy (Shanna) Hare, Jon (Amy) Russell and Jason Russell, eleven great grandchildren and one great- great grandson, in-laws Dick (Dorothy) Poellinger, Bernice (Nyle) Tenneson and Bea Tomten. In addition to his wife Jeanette he was preceded in death by his parents, a brother Larry Roman, a sister Francis Thompson and a step-son Jerry Russell.
We would like to ask that you look at Papa’s passing with joy and not sadness. He missed Mama very much and is now with her again where he prayed to be.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff at Bethany – Riverside for all the special care given to Ken.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 AM on Tuesday, March 29, 2016 at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, 1031 Main St., Onalaska. Msgr. Steven Kachel will officiate. Burial, with military honors will follow in French Island Cemetery. Friends may call at the church on Tuesday from 10 AM until the time of service. Schumacher – Kish Funeral & Cremation Services is assisting the family.