John Paul Roehrick Sr.

John Paul Roehrick Sr., 80, died peacefully in Des Moines, Iowa on November 5, 2023, surrounded by his family. John was born on May 4, 1943 to Chuck and Jenny Roehrick in Faribault, Minnesota where he lived until he graduated from Faribault High School in 1961. He attended Drake University where he earned a B.A in Political Science in 1963 and his Juris Doctor in 1966.
John was a well-respected trial lawyer who loved the law and was a true advocate. He was passionate about his work, dedicated to his clients and enjoyed mentoring young lawyers. He will be remembered as much for his legal work and civic contributions as he will for his loyalty, kindness and strict adherence to his principles.
He was a wonderful father and grandfather who led by example: work hard, help others, do what's right and don't shy away from a good practical joke! He had a wonderful sense of humor and he loved to tease!
A voracious reader, he was passionate about politics, history, scotch and his grandchildren. Always a defender of the underdog and loyal to the end, he was a lifelong Vikings fan! He believed he was on this earth to be of service to God and make a difference in people's lives and that, he did. His life truly mattered. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.
John will be lovingly remembered by his fiancée, the light and love of his life, Joleen Bolger, and his children Heidi Koll (Chris), John Roehrick Jr. (Jill) and James Roehrick (Rhonda); his grandchildren Joshua (Cally) Roehrick, Jeremy Roehrick, Jak Roehrick, John and Elizabeth Koll; 2 great-grandchildren, Jackson and Justin Roehrick and best friend, Sam Kreamer. He was preceded in death by his parents, sister Marcia, wife Sandy, dear friend Frank Comito and infant daughter Holly Marie.
Please join us in celebrating John's life. Visitation will be Friday, November 10 from 5:00pm-7:00pm at the Iles Westover Funeral Home, 6337 Hickman Road, Des Moines. The funeral service will be Saturday, November 11 at 11:00a.m. at Grace Lutheran Church, 5201 Urbandale Avenue, Des Moines. A private family burial will follow at Glendale Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be directed to Grace Lutheran Church.
Funeral services will be livestreamed. You may view the livestream through www.gracedm.org/live.
Arrangements by Iles Westover Chapel.
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