David R. Roocks

David R. Roocks, age 79 passed away peacefully at home on Sunday, July 3, 2022, surrounded by his family. David was born in Appleton, WI on November 3, 1942, to Erwin and Ruth (Lemke) Roocks. He was the third of four children born to the couple.  David met the love of his life Sally Thalke when the two attended Menasha High School together.  They were married a year after graduating, and soon after welcomed daughter Lori into their home.  

 

David worked at Banta Publishing for 42 years, and during much of that time, he also worked as a gardener and landscaper. 

 

David loved gardening and was well known for giving tomatoes away to neighbors, friends, and family.  He was a gifted cook and was well known for “Uncle Dave’s Beans" at family gatherings.  He was generous with his recipes and never failed to pass one along when requested.  He learned his love of cooking from his mom. He was as well-known as his mom for not measuring ingredients and adding items “to make it look right.”  

 

Dave enjoyed road trips as long as the coffee, bananas (or other snacks), and crossword scratch offs held out. He enjoyed fishing and went hunting with family and friends “to be the cook.”  An animal lover, Sally and Dave’s home always had a basset hound in it.  Christmas was always special to Dave, a passion he learned from his parents. 

 

Dave made friends wherever he went and was a skilled handyman.  He could fix almost anything and if he didn’t know how, could find someone to accomplish the task: “I know a guy…”

 

David is survived by the love of his life, Sally, his daughter Lori Roocks, siblings: Tom (LaVerne) Roocks, Gretchen (Michael) Mish; brother-in-law: Dan Lehrer; special Goddaughter Dawn (Jay) Vande Walle, many nieces and nephews; dog Mrs. Beasley and many other friends and family.

 

Preceding David in passing are his parents Erwin and Ruth and sister Marilyn Lehrer.

 

In keeping with Dave’s wishes, there will be a private memorial service followed by burial at Rest Haven Cemetery in Neenah.

 

In Dave’s honor, make a new friend today.