Gaylord Roe

Gaylord Roe (1930–2024) passed away on October 20, 2024, following a brief illness.

Gaylord spent nearly his entire life in Manitowish Waters, where his parents Irwin and Anna Roe settled in1929 and where he was raised. He graduated from Waupaca High School and earned his bachelor of science degree at Stout Institute (now University of Wisconsin–Stout) in industrial education. At Stout he met his beloved future wife Betty, whom he married in 1953. Subsequently, he taught for a year at Ashland Vocational School before returning to work in his father’s contracting business, which he eventually took over. As a young man he also served in the volunteer fire department and the National Guard.

He and Betty raised their four children in the house he built for them on Rest Lake. Together they enjoyed vegetable gardening, home projects, church activities, apple picking, and family visits to relatives in Wisconsin, Minnesota, and California.

Gay was a lifelong member of Faith Lutheran Church in Mercer and built the congregation’s new church building in 1970. He and Betty served the church in many roles and for several years ran a chapel service for summer tourists at the Manitowish Waters Community Center.

As a builder, Gay constructed many beautiful homes throughout the area. He took great pride in his work and in collaborating with his crew and local subcontractors, many of whom were good friends and neighbors. He believed in honesty and treating people fairly and had a kind word for everyone.

He grew up fishing avidly and for eight decades he enjoyed deer hunting and spending time in the woods with his father and brother, uncles, cousins, son, and grandsons. Gay was especially proud to have gotten his first buck — a 10-pointer — at age 16. Later, he and his son Dennis shared many memorable hunting trips to Canada and even Alaska.

He is preceded in death by his wife Betty and brother Vernon and survived by his children Kerrie Seeger, Dennis Roe (Fara), Connie Stampfl (David), and Mileta Roe (Marshall Fisher), 11 grandchildren (Ross, Kelsey, Kevin, Chad, Keith, Jeffrey, Erika, Matthew, Ben, Satchel, and Bram), eight great-grandchildren (Esther, Honna, Meera, Kalvin, Peter, Miriam, Olivia and Sloane), as well as nieces and nephews (Brenda, David, Audrey, Laura, Ruth, and Angela).

A funeral service celebrating his life is scheduled for Friday, Oct. 25 at 2 p.m., at Faith Lutheran Church in Mercer. Gifts in his memory may be sent to: Faith Lutheran Church, 2701 W Kichak's Landing Rd, Mercer WI 54547.

Bolger Cremation & Funeral Services is assisting the family, www.bolgerfuneral.com to share condolences.