Roland William Gregory (1937-2014)

Roland Gregory

Roland Gregory, age 76, a resident of Kenosha, died Monday June 23rd, 2014 of natural causes while at Southport Park.

          Roland was born July 2, 1937 in Wauwatosa. He was raised in Kenosha by his parents, Roland and Gladys (Presley) Gregory. He was educated in the schools of Kenosha and attended the UW Extension and UW Madison and then graduated from the UW Milwaukee with a degree in business. He also graduated from the UW Whitewater with a degree in education.

          On June 6, 1964, Roland was united in marriage with Judith Getschman at the old St. Peter’s Catholic Church. Roland was employed as a social worker for Brookside Care Center and then he worked there as an administrator for ten years, retiring in 1992. Roland and Judy have been long time devoted members of St. Mary’s Catholic Church.

Roland loved life, especially his wife and family – and friends new and old. He always had a kind word and was caring and fun loving. His warmth and positivity brought happiness to many.

He never said anything negative about anyone and he was always ready to lend a helping hand and care for those who had nobody else to care for them.  For over 15 years he was the St. Mary’s  coordinator of the INNS program for Kenosha’s homeless. In his later years he enjoyed playing cards socially at the Senior Center (and Solitaire everywhere else!). He enjoyed listening to music and singing along. A former paper boy, he enjoyed many outdoor activities year round.  Of special importance was the responsibility of walking a friend’s dog – which brought much purpose to his last years.

On June 6, 2014 Roland and Judith celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary. The party that followed a June 7th mass was a blessed and most joyful gathering of family and friends.

The family is most grateful for prayers and support from all.  Judy is especially grateful for her faith community.

Roland was preceded in death by his parents and by a sister Gail.  Roland is survived by his wife Judy of Kenosha, his three sons; Jim (Liberty) Gregory of Dublin, Ohio, William (Gwendolyn Skaggs) Gregory of Kenosha and Michael (Richard Stangarone) Gregory of Santa Fe, New Mexico and his five grandchildren: Victoria, Will, Estevan, Spencer and Camille.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday June 27th, 2014 at 12:00 noon at St. Mary’s Catholic Church. (Corner of 39th ave. and 73rd st.) Visitation with the family will be on Friday at the church from 9:30 AM until the time of Mass.

Burial will take place at a later date.

          In lieu of flowers, memorials to the Shalom Center would be appreciated (http://www.shalomcenter.org).

Thoughts for Roland William Gregory (1937-2014);

  • Mitzi Waehner says:

    Judy and Family – i remember oh so many years ago when you first started dating Roland. Both of you were so happy.

    You two always were smiling and upbeat. Never ran into you or Roland that you weren’t full of pep and kind greetings. The apples must not have fallen far from the tree because two of my daughters were in class with then at St. Joe’s – Kristin and Anne. They also repeated that they were such nice people.

    We will keep all of of you in our prayers at this difficult time.

  • My deepest sympathy to Judy and the family. I will always remember Roland as one of the kindest persons I have ever met. He was always helping others. I will miss seeing his smiling face at church and in the community.
    Dee Miller

  • Chaplain Hasan Hakeem says:

    With condolences from the Jail Chaplaincy of Kenosha County, we know that God Almighty will always bestow his choice blessings on this wonderful family. Roland served God and His community, as guided by God’s commandments to help and serve the poor. His wife, Judy, has always sacrificed her precious time to help those who are incarcerated. We pray that God grants the Gregory family respite for its loss. From God we come and to Him we return.

    Chaplain Hasan Hakeem
    Kenosha County Sheriff’s Department

  • Judy, Mike and I were so saddened to hear of Roland’s passing. My dad spoke often of how much fun it was to play sheepshead with him. I know that everyone at the senior center will miss him. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers during this time of grief.

  • Linda Smith says:

    Judy and family, I was shocked to her about Roland. Deepest Sympathy. His memories will always be a part of everyone. I keep you in my prayers.

  • Marily Richter says:

    Judy and family,

    Was so sorry to hear that Roland has passed away. I’m so glad that all of you were able to enjoy the celebration for your 50th anniversary. You are in my thoughts and prayers. I know that your faith will help you through this difficult time. Our sympathy to you and the boys and their families.

    Marilyn and family

  • GREG~YOU WERE MY FATHER, as my daddy died when I was only 6 years old! Such a “special man” while dating Judy, my sister, you always had FUN with us kids! ex: Riverview Park…OMG…..I remember sharing with you back in December, as we watched the Packer game & Jim flew me up there (: how, you, Greg PULLED ME INTO A ROLLER COASTER….WOW! been afraid ever since! You helped me nonstop with all my tribulations after my divorce.
    YOU WERE MY ROCK!!!
    and GRANDPA to my son, Kale…he remebers YOU teaching him how to drive! WAY down here in KATY, TX Judy was biking across America, & you drove down here & stayed with us 1 week…..
    YOU CAN NOW, FINALLY MEET OUR “DADDY” IN HEAVEN… Ernest Getschman..Joined a bereavement class starting tomorrow, july 7th, 2014 which is Kathryn’s b-day…your mother in law…our mom I KNOW YOU WILL ALWAYS BE WITH ME, GREG!!!!
    LUV, Gracie

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