Thomas E. Roche

PORTAGE – Thomas E. Roche, age 55, died on Sunday, December 25, 2011 as a result of an accident.

Tom was born on November 23, 1956, in Columbus, the son of Robert E. and Donna J. (Kirch) Roche.  He married Lori Spring on September 21, 1984.  Tom worked full time as a DHIA Field Technician for over 30 years.  He continued working part-time in this field after he started working at Cardinal Glass in 1995.  Tom was a very hard worker, and was always helping others; he would do anything for anyone. Tom also loved all sports.  He played a lot of softball and basketball in his early years; he was an avid Packer, Brewer and Badger fan.  He was also an avid hunter, and loved the outdoors.  Tom enjoyed teasing and joking with his family and friends.  He will be missed by many and loved by all.     

Tom is survived by his wife, Lori; their children, Kendra “Sweet Pea”, Kyle “Bud”, and Kaycie “Pookie”, his Golden’s Jake and Kody; his parents, Gene and Donna Roche; his siblings, Denny Roche, Carolyn (Doug) Severson, Gerry (Lisa) Roche, Kathy (Bobby) Schoenherr, Shelly (Gregg) Johnson, and Johnny (Deb) Roche; his nieces and nephews, Jim, Jason (Jean), Jenny (Jeremy), Josh, Nicole, Eric, Michelle, and Jacob; his father-in-law, and mother-in-law, Bob and Cleo Spring; his sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Pam (Dan) Laatsch, other relatives, many special friends, and his farm families. 

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, December 30, 2011, at St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church with Fr. Jim Murphy presiding.  Inurnment will be private.  Visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, December 29, 2011 at the Pflanz Mantey Mendrala Funeral Home in Portage, and on Friday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the Mass at the church.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the family.

Tom you left us way too quickly, not giving us a chance to say “Good Bye” or “I love you” so this is not Good Bye, this is until next time. Daddy, we love you.