Jon P. Rooyakkers

Jon Philip Rooyakkers of Kimberly, Wisconsin joined his heavenly kingdom at the age of 59, surrounded by family on August 18th 2026 at Froedtert Hospital in Milwaukee after suffering from a heart attack. He was a loving husband, father, brother, uncle, and friend.

Jon was born in Appleton, Wisconsin to Everett and Margaret Rooyakkers on July 11th, 1967. His memory will be preserved by his wife, Lisa (Kokke) Rooyakkers; his children, Nathan, Lindsay, and Evan Rooyakkers; his siblings, Cindy Van Handel, Don (Tina) Rooyakker, Patti (Davor) Grgic, and Becky Bowe; his parents-in-law, Henry John and Barbara Kokke; along with many nieces, nephews, and their children.

Jon attended Kimberly High School and graduated in 1985, where he met many friends who remained close throughout his life. He continued his education at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where he earned a degree in Mechanical Engineering and was a member of the marching band. There, he reconnected with his lifelong best friend and future wife, Lisa Rooyakkers, through mutual high-school friends. They were married on June 6th, 1992, in Appleton, Wisconsin. In 1993, they relocated to Ogden, Utah through Jon’s employment with Kimberly-Clark. They had their first two children, Nathan in 1996 and Lindsay in 1999, before moving back to the Fox Valley and having their third child, Evan, in 2003. Jon made his children the centerpiece of his life and loved them immeasurably.

After college, Jon began his career at Kimberly-Clark in 1990, where he worked for 34 years. He finished his career as a Senior Project Engineer. During this time, he met amazing people who became lifelong friends. He had the opportunity to travel the world, visiting every continent except Antarctica, totaling fourteen countries. He officially retired from Kimberly-Clark in 2025 but continued to work with a great friend, Rae Kirkwood, at his company, GPM.

He valued his faith, education, extracurriculars, and being an active community participant. He especially valued the importance of family; his three children would not be who they are today without his love and guidance. All who encountered Jon will remember his welcoming, optimistic, playful, and humorous nature. He was known to have an inspiring zest for life. Jon never hesitated to give a jab to the ribs with a smile and a laugh while asking how you were.

He loved playing pickleball and golf. Jon was an avid fan of the Brewers and the Packers. The night he passed, the Brewers broke their franchise record with a shutout, 22-0. Jon also loved taking his dog Milo, who passed away in July of this year, for walks. Recently, he joined the local men’s barbershop chorus, the Fox Valleyaires. Jon brought his positive attitude everywhere he went and never let a moment pass without meaningful conversation. He loved attending events, especially those with live music, such as local bands, Bike to the Beat, and Mile of Music.

If Jon was not in the Fox Valley, he was likely in his favorite spot in Northern Wisconsin. Following their brother, Don’s example, Jon and Patti both began hosting annual Fourth of July celebrations with family at their cabins. Up north, Jon enjoyed fishing, swimming, and making people fall off their inner tubes while pulling them behind his boat. His youthfulness and humor showed in everything he did.

Jon was preceded in death by his parents, Everett and Margaret Rooyakkers, his stepmother, Mary Kay Krause; and his brother, Danny Rooyakkers.

Our family would like to thank the Healthcare Professionals at both Appleton ThedaCare Hospital and Froedtert Hospital for providing exceptional care to our loved one.

In lieu of flowers, the family will donate to the following causes: Saint Joe’s food pantry of Menasha, WI, the American Heart Association, National Public Radio, Wisconsin Public Broadcasting Service, Appleton Mile of Music, 91.1 The Avenue Radio Station, or any other organizations that you know were meaningful to Jon.

Those who would like to celebrate Jon’s life are welcome to do so at Appleton Alliance Church on Saturday, August 29th, 2026. Visitation is 9:00 - 11:00 AM. Service will be held at 11:00 AM.