Gerald L. Roob

Gerald “Jerry” L. Roob, 91, of Onalaska and formerly of La Crosse, passed away on Friday, November 26, 2021, at Eagle Crest North in Onalaska.

He was born on April 24, 1930, in Columbus, WI to Louis J. and Frances L. (Hessel) Roob. As a youth, his family moved to La Crosse where he attended St. Wenceslaus Grade School and Aquinas High School, graduating in 1948. Jerry married Louise Ann Skemp on April 28, 1951, in La Crosse. Louise preceded him in death in July of 2000.

Jerry enlisted in the Wisconsin National Guard in September of 1948. After six years of enlisted service, he became a commissioned officer. Over the years, Jerry moved up through the officer ranks holding positions as platoon leader, salvage officer, executive officer at unit level, company commander and executive officer at battalion level, eventually becoming Battalion Commander for the 426 ^th Engineer Battalion. In all, Jerry spent 35 years with the Wisconsin National Guard, with most of his duties performed with the Onalaska units, before retiring in January of 1984 with the rank of Colonel.

Jerry was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather who was generous, kind-hearted, and always willing to lend a helping hand when needed. He was a treasure to his family and his many friends. Jerry worked in the construction trades thoughout his life where he earned the respect of his colleagues and made many long-time friendships. In his free time, he enjoyed golfing and was still actively golfing until recently. He was a long-time member of St. James the Less Catholic Church in La Crosse until he moved to Onalaska

Jerry is survived by his children, John (Bette) Roob of Onalaska, Jane (Ron) Koning of San Marcos, CA, and Dianne Wookey of La Crosse; grandsons, Scott (Rebecca) Roob of La Crosse and Steven (Alissa) Roob of Racine, WI; step-grandchildren, Jon (Jodi) Field, James (Teresa) Field, Jennifer (Peter) Amann and Lia Koning; twelve great grandchildren, Grace, Lucy, Hayden, Nathan, Carter, Adam, Abby, Connor, Izzy, Katie, Harper and Owen; and nieces and nephews. In addition to his wife, Louise, Jerry was also preceded in death by his parents; a granddaughter, Johanna Roob; a sister, Norma Henderson; and a brother, Daniel Roob.

A private funeral mass will be held at 11:00 a.m., Thursday, December 2 ^nd , at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Onalaska with Msgr. Steven Kachel officiating. Burial, with military honors, will take place in the Catholic Cemetery. The Mass will be livestreamed and can be viewed on the church’s website at www.stpatsonalaska.com . Schumacher-Kish Funeral and Cremation Services is assisting the family. Online condolences may be submitted at www.schumacher-kish.com . In lieu of flowers, please donate to your favorite charity in Jerry’s honor.

Jerry’s family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the staff at Eagle Crest North and Gundersen Health System Hospice for their wonderful care.