Rev. Russell G. Roetzer
Deceased: 2011-04-28
Diocese: MILWAUKEE
Seminary Graduation Year: 1964
Rev. Russell G. Roetzer, 72, passed away on Thursday, April 28, 2011. Fr. Roetzer was born on December 30, 1938, in Buffalo, N.Y., the son of the late Clarence and Adelaide Roetzer. He graduated from St. Vincent de Paul Grade School in Attica, N.Y., 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 until 1960), and was completed at the Pontifical Gregorian University of Rome (1960 until 1964). Father was ordained to the presbyterate on December 18, 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 June 27, 1967, Father was appointed to the faculty at St. Catherine’s High School, Racine. He began serving two half- time positions on June 25, 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 August 17, 1993, first as Temporary Administrator at St. Rose Parish, Racine, then on October 14, 1993, as Administrator at St. Rose. While continuing to serve at St. Rose, on October 18, 1995, he was appointed the Administrator at St. Casimir Parish, Racine. On July 1, 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 August 1, 2001, serving the school community until his retirement from active ministry on April 30, 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, 2011, at 3 p.m. at Siena Center, 5635 Erie Street, 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 12 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.
