Joe Roeder

Joseph Alois Roeder, age 88, died on Saturday, Dec. 29, 2007 in Wharton following an extended illness. He was born on March 11, 1919 in Shiner, the son of the late Louis M. and Mary Hucek Roeder.

Mr. Roeder was a resident of Wharton since 1988 and a former longtime resident of Liberty.

He retired from Texas Gulf Sulphur after more than 30 years of service. He was a proud veteran of World War II and served with the U.S. Navy in the South Pacific Theatre as well as Korea. He received numerous medals of commendation including the Distinguished Flying Cross. He was a member of American Legion Post No. 87 for more than 62 years.

He was a devout member of Holy Family Catholic Church and served in many ministries over the course of his life. Mr. Roeder was a member of the Knights of Columbus and the Fourth Degree for more than 60 years and the KJT for more than 50 years. He was also proud of his Czech ancestry being a member of the Texas Czech Heritage Society.

Mr. Roeder is survived by his three daughters, Joan Hill and husband Daryl of Bernardo, Sharon Brown and husband Rick of Dayton and Rita Chesser and husband Jerry of Deer Park. He is also survived by eight grandchildren, Allison, Kathryn, Scott and Joanna Hill; Emily Grones and husband Randall; Amy Brown; Mark and Clare Chesser. He is also survived by brothers, James and Tony Roeder; sisters, Mary Holub, Lillian Wagner and Paulene Mooney.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 51 years, Helen Orsak Roeder; infant daughter, Lucy; parents, Louis and Mary Roeder; brothers, Edmund, Louis and Johnnie Roeder; and sister, Ann Breth.

The family would like to extend their special thanks to his caregiver Laverne Battles.

Visitation and Rosary were held at the chapel of Wharton Funeral Home on Sunday, Dec. 30, 2007. Funeral services followed on Monday at 1 p.m. at Holy Family Catholic Church with interment at Evergreen Cemetery.

Son-in-laws and grandsons served as pallbearers.

Honorary pallbearers were Emil Petter, George Orsak and John Hebert.

If desiring, memorial donations may be made to Holy Family Catholic Church Building Fund, 2011 Briar Lane, Wharton, TX 77488; or to Diocese of Victoria, Priest Retirement Fund or Seminary Burse, P.O. Box 4070, Victoria, TX 77903.