William Dennis Roeder

William “Bill” Dennis Roeder (84) of North Port, FL passed away peacefully on January 1, 2026, after a brief illness at home.

William E. and Eleanor (“Tootie”) Roeder welcomed their second child on February 10, 1941, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Bill grew up sharing a close friendship with his older sister Sharon, and together, they enjoyed freedoms still granted to children in that era. When given a few dollars to seek adventure for the day, they loved riding the city’s public bus to go watch the Milwaukee Brewers play. About 10 years later, the family celebrated the arrival of a third child named David.

As Bill attended Milwaukee public schools, he also delivered newspapers in his neighborhood. He’d often use his earnings to buy himself salted cashews, though he quickly learned that too many could really upset his stomach. Upon graduating high school, Bill went on to earn his bachelor’s and graduate degrees in Mechanical Engineering at the University of Wisconsin (Milwaukee and Madison, respectively). Although Bill trained with the US Air Force and was called up during the Cuban Missile Crisis, he was not required to travel any further than Texas.

Bill’s professional contributions were essential at both General Electric (Milwaukee, WI) and Siemens (Cheshire, CT) as Quality Control Manager for medical and dental x-ray technology. In preparation for his position at Siemens, Bill was required to live and work in Erlangen, Germany for six months (1975). Later, Bill became General Manager and then President of Star Plating in New Bedford, MA. Under his leadership, Star Plating earned the “1995 Governor’s Toxic Use Reduction Award” which demonstrated his forward thinking and respect for our environment.

During his first marriage, Bill and his wife (Jean), had three children: Jeffrey Roeder (Debbie), Franklin, NC; Jillian Smith (Dave), Goffstown, NH; and Jennifer Roeder (Coda), Cheshire, CT.

On April 11, 1987, Bill married his true soul mate, Jill Patrice (Thompson) Lawrence. The couple lived in Morris, CT and Lakeville, MA before retiring to North Port, FL. Until recently, they played golf together almost daily, enjoyed many vacations in the Caribbean, and allowed each other just enough time to continue to grow as individuals. During the past 39 years, Bill and Jill were not only role models for Bill’s grown children, but also for Jill’s three sons: Nils Lawrence (Anissa), Santa Clarita, CA; Bret Lawrence (Casey), Morris, CT; and Adam Lawrence, Santa Clarita, CA.

Having been predeceased by his own parents, sister, and brother, Bill was grateful for the gradual addition of 9 grandchildren: Sebastian, Madison, Ethan, Jonah, Kaleb, Vegas, Draco, Madilyn and Caden. Whenever Bill spent time with the grandkids, he impressed upon them the value of hard work, committing to the sports and activities they love, and staying alert to avoid his excruciating “Grandpa Squeezes” …or what he called “shoulder massages.”

In addition to his wife, grown children, and grandchildren, Bill is survived by:

*His sister’s grown children Kim, Lisa, & Mark Cary

*Cousins Keith (Margaret) Kruck, Dennis (Pat) Kruck, George (Linda) Kaemmerer, Danny (Pat) Kaemmerer, Janet Kiselicka, and Carol Paradise.

*3 step-grandchildren, 8 step-great-grandchildren, 5 step-great-great-grandchildren

*Brother-in-law John (Kathy) Thompson, Jr., and Sister-in-law Jan (Jack) Tracey

*5 nieces and nephews and 6 great-nieces & grand-nephews all on his wife’s side

Most people will remember Bill as an avid golfer and as a man with a very dry sense of humor, but he also had other interests and talents. He was free with his quick wit and contagious laughter and would often laugh himself into tears. He enjoyed playing tennis, ping-pong, fishing, boating, and gardening. Bill was a voracious reader who also enjoyed classical and jazz music, and old movies. An avid sports fan, Bill remained faithful to the Milwaukee Bucks and the Boston Celtics, the Boston Red Sox, and the New England Patriots. Golf tournaments, tennis matches—Bill could always find something on TV to entertain himself. Artistically creative, Bill taught himself to paint pet portraits, as well as, some of family members. There was measurable progress between his first and last “masterpieces” and his work will certainly be treasured.

Throughout his lifetime, Bill was an active member of several church communities:

* Trinity Presbyterian Church, Milwaukee, WI

* Cheshire United Methodist Church, Cheshire, CT

* Lakeville United Church of Christ, Lakeville, MA

* St. Paul’s Presbyterian Church, North Port, FL

* Living Waters Lutheran Church, North Port, FL

Bill’s memory will live on in the hearts of all those who loved him. Although there will be no formal services, Bill’s close family will gather for a Celebration of Life later this year.

“He has achieved success who has lived well, laughed often, and loved much.”— Bessie Anderson Stanley