Obituary: Roger Francis Bochek

December 29, 1953 ~ October 5, 2022

Roger Francis Bochek, 68, of the Town of Egg Harbor, formerly of Germantown, died Wednesday night, October 5, 2022 at Sturgeon Bay Health Services in Sturgeon Bay.

He was born to Roger Joseph Bochek and Josephine Anette (Duncan) Bochek at the Dorchester Hospital in Sturgeon Bay on December 29, 1953. Roger grew up attending St. Anthony Catholic Church where he was an altar server and St. Anthony Grade School, both in Menomonee Falls. He graduated from Menomonee Falls High School with the class of 1972. Roger went on study business at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee where he earned a bachelor’s degree. He was employed with US Bank as a mortgage appraiser for many years. Roger lived in Germantown until recently when he moved back to Door County to be closer to family.

He enjoyed his time with the Falls Patio Players. He was known for his fabulous costume and set designs for many shows each year. Roger won Best Costume Design and Set Design several times an also a Lifetime Achievement Award for Theatre, twice. He always looked forward to the yearly run of “A Christmas Carol.” He received the Shining Star award from the Greater Menomonee Falls Foundation as a longtime community contributor. When it was awarded, he said, “I was surprised and deeply honored to receive this. It’s truly unexpected.” Roger was involved with the Falls Patio Players for 38 years. He started with the organization doing sewing and costume design, moving on to set designs and eventually served as artistic director. In that capacity, he oversaw all the productions each season. Roger was also a member of the Costumer’s Guild.

He was also known for his many fabulous quilts and many different folk art pieces that he liked making, selling, and gifting to friends and family. Roger was also well known in the antiques community and was always ready to help and instruct newcomers. Holidays at the family farm were important to Roger as was his family.

He will be missed by his five siblings, Rodney (Sue) Bochek of Milwaukee, Joanne (Paul) Surfus of the Town of Egg Harbor, Richard (Bev) Bochek of the Town of Liberty Grove, Regan (Gwen) Bochek of Wind Lake, and Rudy (Kris) Bochek of Sussex; nieces and nephews, Patrick (Amanda) Surfus, JoEllen (Chris) Donovan, Jes (JR) Waldschmidt, Renee Holland (Will), Jason (Cynthia) Bochek, Robyn Bochek, Joey Bochek, Zach Bochek (Callie), Morgan (Kristi) Rice, Lauren (Justin) Daoust, and Ryan Mehling; 11 great-nieces and great-nephews whom he enjoyed spending time with; and friends.

Roger was preceded in death by his parents; close friend, Christine Stransky; and other relatives.

His life will be honored with a Mass of Christian Burial celebrated at 12:00 noon on Saturday, November 5, 2022 at Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Institute, 4767 E. Dunn Rd., Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235 with Fr. Robert Stegmann as celebrant. Roger will be laid to rest by his family in the church cemetery.

Visitation for family and friends will be held at the church on Saturday, November 5, 2022 from 10:00 a.m. until the time of Mass.

Roger’s life and achievements will also be celebrated by his friends and colleagues at the Falls Patio Players in Menomonee Falls on Friday, November 18, 2022, beginning at the theater at 6:30 p.m., followed by a reception at 88 W 116750 Garfield Dr in Menomonee Falls after.

Huehns Funeral Home, Inc. & Door County Crematory LLC in Sturgeon Bay are assisting the Bochek family. Expressions of sympathy, memories, and photos of Roger may be shared with his family through his tribute page at www.huehnsfuneralhome.com.