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Roger Obermeier Obituary
Roger W. Obermeier, age 75, of Wisconsin Rapids, WI and Gilbert, AZ passed away on Tuesday, June 19, 2012.
A memorial Mass will be held at a later date in Wisconsin Rapids, WI and in Gilbert, AZ.
Roger was born October 31, 1936 in Marshfield, WI to William and Genevieve (Schirpke) Obermeier. He graduated from Assumption High School in 1955 and attended Marquette University and graduated from West Point in 1961. Roger spent 23 years in the service including two tours in Vietnam and one tour on Korea. Roger retired as a lieutenant colonel.
After retiring Roger moved to Gilbert, AZ in 1984 and taught JROTC at Marcos de Niza High School in Tempe, AZ for 16 years.
Roger married Claudia Reinarz on May 25, 1968 and she survives him. Roger is also survived by twin daughters, Heidi Gburski of Seattle, WA and Lori Huber of Cave Creek, AZ; three grandchildren, Alex Huber, Eric de Winter Gburski and Michael Huber; and five siblings, Richard (Priscilla) Obermeier of Waupaca, WI, Romie (Theresa) Obermeier of Wisconsin Rapids, WI, Donna (John) Demski of Wisconsin Rapids, WI, Joan (Kenneth) Gebert of Wisconsin Rapids, WI and Mary (David) Konopaci of Plover, WI.
Roger was preceded in death by his parents.
Donations can be made to American Cancer Hope Lodge at 611 W. Doege Street, Marshfield, WI 54449 or to YLC c/o JROTC at Marcos de Niza High School at 6000 South Lakeshore Drive, Tempe, AZ 85283.
Ritchay Funeral Home in Wisconsin Rapids, WI is handling all arrangements.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Roger Obermeier
Frances Warfield
January 13, 2024
LTC Obermeier was my instructor in high school in 1984-1986...taught me how to be a good person...he mattered to me...I wonder what he would think of how I did...wonderful person, thank you
Kim
June 14, 2021
Roger was kind, caring, patient and unbelievably flexible in tasks that needed to be done. I miss you. I'm sorry I didn't call. Prayers for his family and friends.
Kim
Heidi
February 27, 2021
I wanted to let all his students know! He deeply loved you. When he was on his death bed he said he had 240 student and he smiled! He told me it was his favorite job! God bless all of you for giving my dad the most wonderful experience in life! Each one of you was important to him!
Heidi Obermeier
February 14, 2021
I miss you with all of my heart.
Heidi Gburski
June 15, 2019
Dear Dad, I know in my heart that you are going to be right there today watching your grandson graduate. I wish you were here on this happy occasion. I wish you were here guiding him to live the best life he can.
Lori Huber
June 15, 2019
Hi Daddy! Its been 7 years now since you have been gone and it breaks my heart that I cant call you to get advice and just to spend time with you. Fathers Day is a very hard day for me but with faith I know you are with God and that brings me much peace. I will see you again and that makes me very happy! Have a great time in Heaven! You are most deserving! Love, Lori
Kim Espino
June 14, 2019
Roger, I miss you so much! I wish I could call so we could talk. You were such a great guy. To his family; grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always.
Tony Costabile
June 26, 2013
Thinking of you and your teachings today LtCol. You are very much missed my friend.
Heidi Gburski
October 31, 2012
Happy Birthday Dad.
August 10, 2012
Roger, my brother in law had the patience of a saint. I remember when we played golf together 40 years ago when I was just learning.Amazing patience!! A dedicated man to his family, friends and his Country and his faith. Loved to be a teacher in whatever he was involved in and his students were a true sense of pride. Roger served his country in many ways and passed the torch to his ROTC cadets. He was wonderful to my Father and traveled daily to see him when his health was failing.He was a trooper until the end and will always be remembered for his mild but determined manor and his wonderful smile. You are greatly missed.Roger but you are now in a wonderful place. Connie Claydon
Paula Tilson
August 6, 2012
What a wonderful man he was. I was so sorry to hear he passed away. My son had a rough time in high school and was headed down the wrong path. LTC Obermeir and the JROTC class at Marcus de Niza made a world of difference and helped my son turn his life around. Ken went into the Army after high school, became a ranger and a son I grew to be proud of. I am sure Roger's family was proud of him, but they will probably never know how many lives he helped change and the wonderful influence he was on so many young men and women.
Angie (Lewis) Baker
August 6, 2012
LTC Obermeier I am so sad to hear of your passing. My prayers go out to your family. You were a great inspiration in my life you helped me get over my fears of heights in ROTC on our repelling trip you made me feel safe. You will be truly missed and were such an inspiration to us all. RIP
Jen Tom
July 17, 2012
It was 21 minus 2 years ago that I met Roger and at a blink of an eye, he became one of my life mentors and eventually a great friend. I am extremely thankful for many conversations we had about life, our country, technology, and education. I admired his ability to speak his mind without harsh words and I adored his humorous nature. I will treasure the life lessons he has provided me and the many great memories Jack, Rog and I shared. I do miss him and I think he will always come to mind whenever I see a golf course or the bagel shop. As always he and his family will always be in my prayers.
Jen Tom
July 16, 2012
I'm honored to have had a friend, mentor and golf partner. It was 21 minus 2 years ago that I have met Roger and at a blink of an eye I became a bagel shop buddy. I'll miss our conversations, laughter, and great times on the golf course. I am extremely thankful to have known Rog and I'll treasure his words of encouragement especially those that was shared the last time we spoke.
Rog, you are missed and thought of. As always you and your family are in my daily prayers.
MSG Jack Tinsley (ret)
July 15, 2012
Roger and I were best friends from the first day I began working at Marcos Di Niza to the day he died. Of all the people who have passed from my life he is missed the most. After retirement we took trips together, played golf and spent many hours at the bagel shop. He loved his daughters and wife and demonstrated a tolerance and caring for others. Roger has left his mark on so many and will be remembered as a kind easy going man. As my best friend.
Heidi Gburski
July 9, 2012
Dear Dad, Thank you for being the best dad a dad could be. Thank you for coming to my tennis matches in high school and cheering me on. Thank you for your support, guidance, patience, and love. I know you are in heaven now. There are so many people that love and admire you because of the person that you are. Please watch over your friends, family and fellow military. I love and miss you very much.
Gene Rafanelli
July 2, 2012
The officers and members of the Arizona Territorial Chapter of the Association of the United States Army (AUSA) send our condolences to everyone in Roger's family. Roger was a principal organizer of the Chapter's Armed Forces Career Officers Day which provided information to thousands of Junior ROTC cadets on career opportunities as commissioned officers. Roger was a dear friend who served AUSA for many years and we grieve his loss.
Craig Reed
July 2, 2012
Roger was an invaluable member of the Apache Trail Chapter, MOWW staff. He worked tirelessly to support the East Valley JROTC programs and Youth Leadership. He will be greatly missed by all of us who had the pleasure of working with him.
Daniel Diaz
June 28, 2012
Col. Obermeier thank you for the wisdom you shared with us young men at JROTC Marcos De Niza, I can only hope to honor you by passing on the lessons you taught me.
Jeanie Schultz
June 27, 2012
Uncle Rog,
Heaven just got another angel when you passed last week. You lived your life with grace and such peacefulness. When you walked in a room it was always brightened with that big Obermeier smile and laugh.You always made others feel like they were somebody special.I have such wonderful memories of you! I had the wonderful privelage being able to spend my summers with your family when you would come to WI to escape the AZ heat. I will never forget how you helped me get ready for my Junior prom and made all my friends feel like they were on top of the world that night.
Roger you were such a wonderful father, husband, grandfather and uncle!! Thank you for serving our country for so many years. Thank you for being willing to ask God for a miracle for our little boy who needs one!! I know God will listen to you...I am so grateful that I was able to have some wonderful chats with you before you died.
Claudia,Lori and Heidi I know Roger is watching you from above--cherish those wonderful memories he has given to you until you can one day meet again.
George Heileman
June 27, 2012
Roger WAS the Patriotic Education leader for the Apache Trail Chapter of Military Order of the World Wars (MOWW), Mesa, AZ, and the entire East Valley. One person can not replace him and the charitable work he accomplished--it will take several. The annual JROTC Cadet of the Year program for the East Valley will be a lasting Memorial to his endeavors.
Dianne & Tom Marquard
June 27, 2012
So Sorry to hear the passing of Roger.We were neighbors on a farm years ago, I am Dianne (Bushmaker) Marquard now. To all the families we are truly sadden. To his wife and family, Donna, Romie, Joannie Mary Richard,who never forgot my parents, Tony and Janet Bushmaker, Our Deepest Sympathy
Steve & Pam Ashley
June 27, 2012
LTC Obermier was a gift from heaven! He helped many kids at Marcos De Niza by setting an example for all to strive for. We will miss him and will keep found memories of him forever.
May the Good Lord be with his family and friends.
Susie Jansky (Schirpke)
June 26, 2012
I find it very sad that sometimes we realize that we missed out on something after it is too late to do anything about it. After reading the entries in this guest book I have
come to realize that I missed out on getting to know a very special man. Roger and I were cousins. My father and his mother were brother and sister. The difference in their ages
and the miles between the families, unfortunately prevented us from truly getting to know one another.I remember when his twins were still in car seats, and I was a young girl they
came to visit us in Milwaukee. Then, I knew “of” Roger, he was an important man in the military. Years later, when my own son and daughter joined the military, I often thought about him, and came to realize how much someone gives up when they join the military. Today however, after reading
some of the entries here, I realize how much he also gained.
The respect, and admiration from those he mentored is very evident, and I wish I had known him as well.
Rest in Peace Roger.
Daniel Speer
June 26, 2012
My sincerest condolences to the family of LTC OBERMEIER! I was one of his many students at Marcos de Niza High School and had the distinct honor of receiving many life lessons from him as a cadet in his JROTC unit. Along with my parents and grandparents, I place LTC OBERMEIER as a leading influence and example that helped to shape my life and so many important decisions. The only advice I failed to heed in 1994 as a senior was choosing the US Naval Academy over Westpoint! He is a shining example of a true American, a selfless mentor, and a gentleman. He will be in my thoughts and prayers as will his family. God Bless
Jeff Cittadino
June 25, 2012
Colonel,
You were so patient and kind. You had more of an influence on my life than you know. I still use your Colonel-isms to this day. You will be missed. "Are we there yet? 5 more minutes." "Are we there yet?" Well we're not there yet Colonel, but you are. Rest in peace, SIr.
Your 13th Favorite Grandson
June 25, 2012
Dear Grampa,
You were always there when I needed help or when I was feeling down. Whenever I was young you would come to visit and I never wanted you to leave... I wanted you to just stay with me forever, but like all good things it sadly had an ending. But unlike this time you are not leaving for a short time, you are leaving us forever... I know that you are in heaven and are in a better place, but I won't ever forget the memories we had.
Davis
June 25, 2012
Hedi and Lori,With sincere condolences always remember that God and Jesus are there to help you through difficult times. Psalm 46:1 "God is for us a refuge and strength, A help that is readily to be found during difficult times". May God (John 17:3) provide you with peace and comfort to endure the days ahead.
Heather Martell
June 24, 2012
Heidi and Lori ~ I am so sorry for the loss of your Dad.... I am praying for you and your family during these tough days. I lost my mom 2 years ago on June 18th, but know she is with our loved ones who have passed on before her. I miss you both!! Big Hugs!!
D&L Golabiewski
June 24, 2012
Your service to our Country and the time spent with the JROTC are a tribute to your great and worthy accomplishments. Our deepest sympathies to your family and friends.
Amber Chavarria
June 24, 2012
You will truely be missed. You were a wonderful man. I know your up in heaven with my grandfather having a grand ol' time. Give my grandfather Tony Chavarria a hug from me.
Kim Espino
June 23, 2012
I am so sorry to hear about Roger's passing. He will be missed by all who knew him. My prayers go out to his family.
Lori Huber
June 22, 2012
Daddy, I love and miss you sooo much. You are the best dad in the whole world! There was a time I was getting an f in alegebra and my dad started tutoring me everynight and I ended up with an 'A' in the class. Thanks daddy for always being there for me and taking care of me. Pray for me and put in a good word for me. I know you are with God now! You always did the right thing even in very difficult situations and I want to become just like you. See you in Heaven.
Love your daughter, Lori
CONNIE HARMON
June 22, 2012
I AM SO BLESS THAT I NEW ROGER HE GAVE ME SHOES WHEN I HAD NONE
Steven Weigley
June 22, 2012
Colonel Obermeier was one of the greatest men I have ever known. He helped shape me into the man I am today and he will be missed. I am fortunate to have known him and he will forever be remembered.
Sarah G
June 22, 2012
You gave me and our JROTC friends so many memories during high school, and even the years after. I am only sorry I did not call as often as I should. I miss you.
Chad Rupe
June 22, 2012
There are few men who lived better than LTC Obermeier. He was a second father to many of us. He was single-handedly responsible for getting me into the Academy and I will never be able to repay the gift he provided me. He is a heavy loss to a generation of men and women and will be deeply missed. My sincerest condolences go out his wife and daughters.
Chad Rupe
USMA, '94
Tony Costabile
June 22, 2012
The loss of such a great man has hit hard with some old students here in Tempe Arizona. The memories Col Obermeier gave us as cadets will be remembered until we meet again.
Ed & Karen Dorsch
June 21, 2012
We are very sadden by Rogers' passing.
Having spent time with both of you, we are left with many fond memories. You now have a special guardian angel to watch over all of you.
May love bring comfort, hope bring healing; and, faith bring peace.
Mary Malolepsy
June 21, 2012
I want to express my sincere sympathy to the family for your loss of Roger. I remember him well. He was in the class behind me when we attended St.Lawrence Grade School, Wisconsin Rapids. I was in 8th grade and he was in 7th. May he have eternal peace.
June 20, 2012
Dear Roger, You will be dearly missed at bridge and as a friend! Even though we never had good cards together, I loved it when you were my partner! God Speed!
Claudia and girls, you have my sympathy!
Rita
Al & Kathy Brunker
June 20, 2012
We cannot express how sorry we are for your loss. Roger was a blessing to everyone whose life he touched. He is surely at peace with all of God's angels and saints and I know he'll meet you at heaven's gate. Our love to all of his family.
Sue
June 20, 2012
I am very sorry for your loss. May God comfort you and bring you peace during this difficult time.
Joanne Wirl Hewitt
June 20, 2012
So sad to hear of Roger's passing. My condolences to his family. He left some good memories for all those he came in contact with. Remembering the good times at AHS.
Kim Kelnhofer
June 20, 2012
Claudia and family,
I am so sorry for your loss. Roger was such a kind, dear man and had such a great sense of humor. He will truly be missed.
June 20, 2012
Dear Roger, You were an angel and an inspiring leader in high school. Your life has been remarkable....now you are an angel in Heaven; thank you for enriching my life with your friendship...I will always remember your gentle ways...the good times at AHS!! Kosha
Kathy Rucinski Rash (and Wayne)
June 20, 2012
Roger, your friendship will be missed deeply by us. Your humor, your caring ways, and your true faith in God. We were lucky to know you.
LeRoy & Patricia Lovesee
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