Reverend Russell G. Roetzer, 72, passed away on Thursday, April 28, 2011. Father Roetzer was born on 30 December 1938 in Buffalo, New York the son of the late Clarence and Adelaide Roetzer.He graduated from St. Vincent de Paul grade school in Attica, NY, where he was an altar server and budding organist. His family moved to Racine in 1952, and he graduated as valedictorian from St. Catherine’s High School in 1956. His priesthood formation began in 1956 at St. Francis Minor Seminary, continued at St. Francis de Sales Major Seminary (1957-1960), and was completed at the Pontifical Gregorian University of Rome (1960-1964). Father was ordained to the presbyterate on 18 December 1963 at St. Ignatius Parish in Rome by the Most Reverend Martin J. O’Connor, Titular Archbishop of Laodicea in Syria.
Father’s priestly ministry began in September of 1964 when he was assigned to St. Therese Parish, Kenosha. At that time he also taught theology at St. Joseph High School. On 27 June 1967, Father was appointed to the faculty at St. Catherine’s High School, Racine. He began serving two half-time positions on 25 June 1991, continuing as a faculty member at St. Catherine’s, and beginning an associate pastor appointment at Holy Name Parish, Racine. Father’s next assignment began 17 August 1993, first as temporary administrator at St. Rose Parish, Racine, then on 14 October 1993, as administrator at St. Rose. While continuing to serve at St. Rose, on 18 October 1995, he was appointed the administrator at St. Casimir Parish, Racine, On 1 July 1998, Father was appointed a team member at St. Richard Parish, Racine. He returned full time to St. Catherine’s High School, Racine, as a faculty member on 1 August 2001, serving the school community until his retirement from active ministry on 30 April 2006. He also helped out as presider at liturgies at many area parishes.
At St. Catherine’s High School, Father was an inspiring and beloved theology teacher throughout his career. In addition to his teaching responsibilities, he served as Registrar for one year and Principal for three years. Other responsibilities included Director of Drama for 25 years, Debate Coach, Stage Manager, Theatre Arts instructor, class advisor, Chair of the Religion Department, and member of numerous committees. The Racine Serra Club honored Father with their Priest of the Year award in 2000.
Surviving are his sister and brothers, Marilyn (Ray) Biddle, John (Susan) Roetzer, all of Racine, and Norman Roetzer of California. Father is also survived by dedicated friends Elinor K. Robillard and Robert N. Miller, and nieces and nephews.
His Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated on Friday, May 6, at 3 p.m., at Siena Center, 5635 Erie St. Racine, with Archbishop Jerome E. Listecki Presider, Bishop Richard J. Sklba and priest classmates and friends concelebrants. Visitation will be in the chapel of Siena Center from noon until the time of Mass. Burial will be private. Memorials to St. Catherine’s High School, Racine or St. Joseph Home for the Aged, Kenosha are suggested by the family.
The family would like to send a heartfelt thanks to Drs. Gedas Grinis and Scott Feldy; Nurse Practioner, Sandra Mikolas, and all the staff at St. Joseph’s Home for the Aged
Nicolene A. Rosati says
Fr. Roetzer started at SCHS when I was a senior and then returned to teach my youngest son, Nicholas, in 2003-2004. He wrote a wonderful recommendation for Nick which helped him win two college scholarships. God bless you always, Fr. Roetzer.
Kathy (Brieske) Gustafson says
Fr. Roetzer was a great mentor, a great drama coach and encourager to work hard. I am grateful to have been influenced by his life. We look forward to the day we will see him again.
Tucker Van Opens-Bellamy says
I was class of 2006 at SCHS. I still refer to Fr Roetzer when I talk about scripture. I’m not very religious, but he made it clear to all of us that his job wasn’t to convert us, it was to teach us. I learned a lot just about the Bible that I had never known.
I also learned, during the Book of Revelations art project, that other classes had thought my project was from a previous year that he had put out to intimidate them. He told my parents this at parent-teacher conferences and thought it was so amusing that he didn’t bother correcting them.
He taught my parents, my older siblings, and my younger sibling. We still talk about him all these years later. He was a kind, generous, and sharp man.