Roger Wayne Rommel

1934 - 2024

Roger Wayne Rommel
Born: September 3, 1934 in Joliet, IL
Died: January 11, 2024 in Joliet, IL
Roger Wayne Rommel, 89, peacefully passed away on January 11, 2024 at Lightways, formally known as Joliet Area Community Hospice in Illinois. He was the life partner of Barbara Young. They shared 12 joyful years together.
Born on September 3, 1934 in Joliet, Illinois, he was the son of Florence, nee Maciokas, and Frederick Charles Rommel. Attending Joliet Township High School, Roger finely tuned his athletic abilities, excelling in tennis, golf, handball and bowling. His success in the sports arena clearly mirrored the impact and valuable lessons imparted by his athletically talented mother. A pinnacle moment in his tennis career occurred when he clinched the victory in the 1952 City of Joliet Park District League Championship in mixed doubles.
Roger, a tool and die maker, dedicated an impressive 43 year career to Caterpillar. His love for the job remained steadfast, evident even during the demanding 3-11pm shift, where his passion for precision and craftsmanship shone through. After marrying Joan McAsey, he joined her in selling World Book Enclyclopedia sets door-to-door while simultaneously working at Cat. This shared passion opened the doors to global exploration, adventure and lasting memories, thanks in part to lucrative World Book sales incentive programs. Their 41 year marriage weathered numerous ups and downs, a testament to the resilience and commitment that formed the foundation of their enduring bond.
Roger's all time favorite hobby was playing golf. He played over 70 years, until 2021, when his body told him it was time to get out of the rough and hit the 19th hole permanently. His second favorite hobby was playing cards, mostly Bridge and Wizard. Up until the end, he was playing twice a week in bridge clubs at Carillon and Joliet Park District with a group of entertaining, lively seniors.
Roger expressed immense gratitude for the opportunity to know and share time with Barbara and her family, forming cherished connections with her sons Ed (Kathy) and Lloyd Mattingly and the numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren who enriched their lives. He would often express his gratitude to Barbara, emphasizing how fortunate he felt to find love again at this stage of his life. He was 78 years old when he fell in love with Barbara.
He is survived by his sweetheart, Barbara Young, son Robert Rommel (Lori Turner) and daughters Susan Olson (Tom), and Jennifer Rommel (Don Duszynski), stepchildren Monica McAsey Frost (Marc), Colleen McAsey Ryan (Ray) and Timothy McAsey (Sheila), grandchildren Eric Rommel, Alexander and Kristina Olson, Frank Duszynski and his step grandchildren Michael Frost (Sarah), Madeline Frost, Matt Ryan (Krista), John Ryan (Jackie), Michael Ryan (Hannah), Meaghan Ryan, Joe McAsey (Alyssa), Moira McAsey and Jon Parker McAsey. He was preceded in death by his parents, Florence and Charles Rommel, his first wife, Dorothy Mae Matuszewski Rommel Janda, and his second wife, Mary Joan Whalen McAsey Rommel.
A celebration of life service will be held on Sunday, February 4 at Mistwood Golf Club in Romeoville from 11am-2pm. Memorial donations may be made to Lightways Hospice of Joliet www.lightways.org/donate.