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1933 - 2017

BORN

1933

DIED

2017

FUNERAL HOME

Max A. Sass & Sons Funeral and Cremation Mission Hills Chapel - Franklin

8910 West Drexel Avenue

Franklin, Wisconsin

Roger Gifford Obituary

Name: Visitation for Roger Gifford
Start: 2017-02-23T23:00:00.000Z
End: 2017-02-24T02:00:00.000Z
Location: Max A. Sass & Sons Funeral and Cremation Mission Hills Chapel - Franklin

Gifford, Roger Roger H. Gifford, age 83 (born 2/22/1933), passed away peacefully early Saturday morning, February 18, 2017. He was a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He will be deeply missed by his loving wife of 61 years Ruth (nee Stephan), and his four children and their spouses - John (Debbie) Gifford, Mary (Dennis) Berceau, Fred Gifford, and Lauren (Tim) Burch, grandchildren Trevor (Sarah) Berceau, Calvin Berceau, Katya Burch, and Eric Burch, and great-grandchildren Alexia Berceau and Zachary Berceau, step-grandchildren Margaret, Mary, and Sarah Lompa, and step-great-grandchild Aubrianna. Also missed by his sister Pat Prentice and brother Michael (Betty) Gifford, brother-in-law Ronald (Judy) Stephan, nieces and nephews, and many other friends and relatives. Roger taught high school art for 39 years with the Milwaukee Public School system, the last 10 years of which were spent at the Milwaukee Art Museum in the Art Satellite Program. He was also an accomplished and prolific artist, creating expressionistic landscape and abstract paintings. He was a member of the Milwaukee Area Teachers of Art (MATA), 50 year member of the Italian Sheepshead Club, jazz enthusiast, and wonderful jitterbug dance partner with Ruth. In addition, he was an avid grower and connoisseur of tomatoes. Visitation will be at the MAX A SASS & SONS MISSION HILLS CHAPEL on Thursday, February 23, 2017 from 5PM to 8pm with a Eulogy Service at 7:15PM. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Cancer Research Institute.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Milwaukee Journal Sentinel on Feb. 21, 2017.

Memories and Condolences
for Roger Gifford

Sponsored by Max A. Sass & Sons Funeral and Cremation Mission Hills Chapel - Franklin.

10 Entries

Michael Rucker

December 16, 2025

The Teacher, The Man, The Greatness of his passion and influence on so many of his students lives. I really appreciate the impact he's had on my life.

Michael K Rucker

Eileen Early

December 6, 2023

Mr. Gifford was a wonderful teacher and mentor. He took his students and our artwork seriously, and was patient and kind despite our teenage hijinks. He was a bright spot in my Bay View years and I still think of him often.

Mark Williams

October 21, 2020

He was the one man Who changed my life forever he introduced me to Art and I’ve loved it ever since I thank you from the bottom of my heart R.H.I. Mr. Gifford (aka) Mr. G Your friend Mark Williams class of “83

February 23, 2017

Roger had a wonderful career. He touched the lives of many in a very positive way. He was a good man. He will be missed.
Ron and Judy

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"The Great pyramid" oil on panel by Jacob A Pfeiffer

Jacob Pfeiffer

February 22, 2017

I am so sorry to hear about the passing of Mr. Gifford. I was lucky to have him as my art teacher in the Art Satellite program back in 1991 while I was attending the Milwaukee High School of the Arts. I have been a professional fine artist for 22 years thanks to Mr Gifford's early influence and encouragement.

Last summer

February 22, 2017

Hi: Rog.
Your baby Brother will miss you very much. I can't get a flight out of Vegas. Now I am getting sick.
You missed your Birthday so I could not call and give you A hard time. I will all was be thinking of you. Say hi To Ma and Pa

Love Mike

The FTD Faithful Blessings Bouquet - VASE INCLUDED

Gina Sullivan

Sent Flowers

Judy Moore Hepting

February 22, 2017

Mr. Gifford......the best teacher i had all four of my years at Bay View High School. I thoroughly loved every one of the many art classes you taught. My time spent as your student always made me feel like I was doing something right. Thank you, kind Sir. RIP.

Judy Moore Hepting

February 22, 2017

Mr. Gifford ....the best teacher I had all 4 years at Bay View High School. Enjoyed every one of the classes you taught, where I always felt like I was in a place that I completely belonged. Thank you. RIP kind Sir.