Richard D. Roekle

Retired Major Richard D. Roekle, age 74, passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by his loving wife and family, on January 9, 2022. Major Roekle, known to all as “Rick” was born in Kalamazoo, Michigan to Norbert and Helen Roekle on December 24, 1947. In 1967, he enlisted into the United States Air Force. After completing basic training at Lackland AFB in San Antonio, TX, Rick was stationed in North Dakota and then the Philippines. During his next assignment at Keesler AFB in Biloxi, Mississippi, he met the love of his life, Linda. They were soon wed in Kalamazoo and were faithfully married for over 51 years. Together they went on to be stationed all over the world, including Torrejon AFB, Ramstein AFB, Hickam AFB, and several AFB in San Antonio where he eventually retired.

Rick was a decorated veteran who served over 29 years and 8 months. One of Rick’s major accomplishments while in the Air Force was moving through the ranks from enlisted to officer. He started his Air Force career as an airman while steadily working to earn his degree in night school. In 1981 he completed his Bachelors of Arts and Science in Human Relations from Southwest Texas State University and was commissioned an officer in 1982. In 1984 he went on to earn his Masters of Arts in Health Care Management from Central Michigan University. Rick retired from the Air Force in 1996 as a Major.

Throughout Rick’s life, he held an unwavering faith in God, which he shared with those who surrounded him. As a member of St. Marks Lutheran Church in Corpus Christi, he was active in the Stephen Ministries and led bible studies there as well. Rick continued to remain loyal to his faith and in service to all in need.

In addition to being a dedicated and loving husband and father, Rick was a passionate sports enthusiast. From playing on city and school basketball, baseball, and football teams in middle school and high school to coaching his daughter’s soccer team, Rick was always active in sports. He was an avid golfer throughout his Air Force career. In retirement he played multiple times a week with his favorite Corpus Christi golfing crew. Rick’s love of golf was passed on to his daughter and grandson (who played with his “Popi” as often as he was able). Rick was also a faithful San Antonio Spurs and Texas Rangers fan who never missed an opportunity to watch his teams in person or at home with his family.

Rick joins his parents, Norbert and Helen Roekle in Heaven. He is survived by his wife, Linda, his sister, Maxine (Hugh) his brothers, Larry (Carol), Alan (Kay), and Dwain (Dee) his daughter, Nikki (Dirk) his grandson, Andrew, and many loving sisters and brothers-in-law, countless nieces and nephews, aunts, cousins, friends and extended family.

We would like to recognize and thank the doctors and medical staff for their dedicated, thoughtful and compassionate care of Rick; Dr. Ray Graf and Sandy with Coastal Cardiology Associates as well as Nancy McDowell and Stephanie Flores with the Elizondo Medical Group.

Our sincerest thanks and gratitude to caregivers Mary and Melissa from Nurses On Wheels and to Patricia who assisted and showed kindness, care and love to Rick during his final days.

Heartfelt thanks to Joyce Rodriguez and Melinda Ramirez for their unwavering support and love of Rick and our family, as well as Reverend Thomas and Susan McCrone for their unending friendship throughout the years.

Funeral services for Rick will be held on January 31, 2022 at Trinity Our Savior Lutheran Church, 808 Louisiana Parkway, Corpus Christi, Tx 78404. Visitation with family at 10:00 a.m. with services to begin at 11:00 a.m. Burial with Distinguished Military Honors to follow at the Coastal Bend Veterans Cemetery, 9974 I-37, Corpus Christi, Tx 78410 at 1:00 p.m.

Donations may be made to Trinity Our Savior Lutheran Church or to your favorite charity in memory of Rick.