Obituary: Roger John Patza

May 16, 1946 – April 15, 2024

Roger J. Patza, 77, of Sturgeon Bay, passed away on April 15, 2024, surrounded by his family after a brief battle with cancer. He was born May 16, 1946, to Joseph and Glenice Patza. Roger attended Sevastopol High School and graduated with the class of 1965. He married Jane Schubert on December 16, 1967.

After high school, Roger served his country in the U.S. Army from August 1968 – March 1970. He served in Vietnam where he earned the Bronze Star, Air Medal, Army Commendation for Heroism, and 2 Purple Hearts. For 37 years, he was an active member of the American Legion, Post #372.

Roger had worked for the UW Agriculture Research Station and on the family farm for many years. He had also worked for Precision Machine, the Door County Highway Department, and as a bus driver for Southern Door Schools. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, gambling, painting, dominos, and gardening. Roger was a longtime member of Salem Lutheran Church. He will be fondly remembered for his heart of gold and his sense of humor, which often included a little “sass”.

He is survived by 3 children, Jodi (Ryan) Wery, Jason (Andrea) Patza, and Jennifer Patza; grandchildren: Ashley (Taylor) Bley, Lexi (Ethan Delfosse) Wery, Natalie Patza, Jacob Patza, Kyle (Ashley) Ploor, Cynde (Andy) Krowas, Alex (fiancé, Jaida Gerrits) Ploor; great-grandchildren, Kolten and Harper Ploor; 2 sisters, Ann Edmunds, Terri Schiltz; in-laws: Roger and Wendy Schubert, Paul and Deb Schubert, Scott Brown, Isabel Patza, and Norma and Dale Uecker; many nieces and nephews; and his beloved dogs, Zoey and Leo.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Jane; 3 brothers, Ken, Bill, and Robert; sister Sharon Adams; parents-in-law, Irene and Lawrence Schubert; other in-laws, Allan Schubert, Lois Schubert, Pat Patza, Lee Adams, Tony Jennerjohn, and Lee Edmunds.

Per Roger’s wishes, a private family service will be held at a later date. Forbes Funeral Home is assisting the family. On-line condolences may be offered at forbesfuneralhome.com

Special thank you to Brenda Melnarik at the Green Bay V.A. and Kristen at Unity Hospice for their wonderful care and support.