Roger James Willeke

His love for baseball, family and friends is what he will be remembered for. He loved the St. Louis Cardinals and could often be found telling people he was busy watching the game when someone stopped by or called to check on him.

But it was that same love of the game that kept Roger busy for many years while coaching young players, including his son, Matthew at the age of four, his daughter Katie and grandson’s Zack and Zeke Sevcik at Affton Athletic Association and Arnold Athletic Association. It was during his coaching days that Roger helped kids learn the game and value of being a part of a team. Even though he didn’t know the kids at the start of the season, he always took pride in seeing them improve. That was the magic of Roger; seeing things in people they didn’t see in themselves and helping them grow.

It’s those same qualities as a coach, that his wife, Pat of nearly 50 years and his children (Ruthanne, Matthew, Katie and Ally) loved most about him. Some of his favorite times were spent on the deck of his home talking with family over a plate of nachos while enjoying a margarita on the rocks or a cold Bud Select, which he grew to love while working his entire career at Anheuser Busch. Whenever family would come over or while traveling on vacations, he would gather everyone up at the end of the night and hold “family meetings” which almost always included wine, beer or margaritas and reflecting on the days’ adventures. And over the years, he and his family had a lot of them... From traveling to Venice to see their son, Matthew get engaged to his wife, Becky to cramming themselves into a Mercedes car while their son-in-law, Shawn drove them around London, Roger and Pat created lasting memories on each trip that the whole family will cherish for years to come.

Roger also served his country as a Navy nurse during the Vietnam War. He is survived by his wife Pat, daughters Ruthanne, Katie and Ally and son, Matthew. He was also deeply loved by his daughter-in-law, Becky, son-in-law, Shawn Cothron and nine grandchildren. For those grandchildren, Papaw will always be remembered for chasing them around McDonald’s PlayPlace, coming to watch their baseball games, teaching them how to swing a bat and being their biggest supporter when it came to attending dance recitals and choir concerts. He will also be missed by his sister Diane Vogler (Ken) and Barbara Conway (Gary).

A celebration of life will be held for Roger on Saturday, July 8, 2023 from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. at New England Village Clubhouse, 3015 Tollgate Rd. St. Louis MO 63129. In lieu of flowers, the family asks donations to be made to Siteman Cancer Center in Roger’s honor. You can give online at the link below or by mail to 7425 Forsyth Blvd. St. Louis MO 63105.

Please leave a favorite memory of Roger for his family to cherish at the "Add a Memory" link below.