Everett Roley

Everett was born in Burlington, Iowa on May 24, 1931 to Lora and Everett Rex Roley. He spent his formative years in Camp Point, Illinois and St. Joseph, Missouri. Everett graduated from Benton High school in St. Joseph, MO. and went on to St. Mary’s college in Winona, Minnesota, and Medical School at Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska. He met Joanne Helen Nelson on a blind date and the two were married on June 11, 1956. They were married 45 years and together raised 5 children.

After his residency and service in the Navy, Everett and Joanne settled in Madison, Wisconsin where Everett established a successful obstetrical practice and remained for over 50 years. Dr. Roley established several outreach clinics in Boscobel and Mauston and was a beloved professor and mentor to scores of University of Wisconsin Medical Students and Residents. Over the course of his 50 plus year career he delivered thousands of bundles of joy in the Madison area often helping multiple generations of women within the same family. He reluctantly retired at the age of 78.

His life can best be summarized as one of unconditional love and undying generosity. He befriended and touched the lives of everyone he met right up to the day he died. He had a giant heart and open mind. He was the most gentle and easy going person one could meet and thoroughly enjoyed meeting, knowing and caring for his patients.

Dr. Roley was a consummate teacher sharing his love and enthusiasm for his profession and his hobbies with everyone he came in contact with. An avid outdoorsman, adventurer and craftsman he enjoyed fishing in the wilds of Canada, dog mushing in Northern Wisconsin and Alaska, and woodworking in his basement wood shop. He was a beloved father always making time to support and participate in his children’s interests and passions no matter where that led him from attending Grateful Dead Shows to Art Museums and foreign countries, and countless roadside rescues.

Everett was preceded in death by his wife Joanne Roley and two sons Kevin Roley and Greg Roley. He is survived by his two sisters Janet Walters (Missouri) and Gwen Gallagher (California); his three remaining children Amy Roley (Murphy), Tom Roley (Hollie), and Mary Roley (Chris) and grandchildren Katie, Zac, Maddie, Sean, Isabel, Sophie, and Parker. A service in Memory of Dr. Roley’s life will be held on Thursday December 18th at OUR LADY QUEEN OF PEACE CHURCH in Madison, Wisconsin. Visitation will be at 10 am, service at 11 am, with a luncheon to follow. In lieu of flowers the family asks that a donation be made in Everett’s name to the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America (AFA) at 322 8th Ave. 7th Fl., New York, NY. 10001. www.alzfdn.org. To view and sign the online memorial guest book please visit www.dignitymemorial.com/olinger-woods-chapel.

You were the best Poppy! You will be forever loved and missed. Angels on your Pillow!