Roger F. Kroeckel

Roger F. Kroeckel, age 83 of Defiance, passed away surrounded by his loved ones on Saturday, October 18, 2025 at CHP Defiance Area Inpatient Hospice Center.   
  
He was born in Defiance on September 30, 1942 to the late Donald and Norma (Hall) Kroeckel. On February 16, 1962 he married Sharon Ludwig, who preceded him in death on May 13, 2018. 
    
Roger was a proud United States Army Veteran who achieved the rank of Master Sergeant in his 22 years of service before his retirement in 1983. He served in Korea, Germany, Italy, Kansas, Texas, and had the opportunity to visit countless other points of interest in his long and adventurous life. He earned a number of decorations during his military career including a National Defense Service Medal and Army Commendation Medal. He was a life member of Defiance VFW #3360.

After his military retirement, he was employed at John's Manville for a further 20 years until he was able to enjoy full retirement. Summer vacations with the grandkids, fall trips to Pigeon Forge, and weekend getaways to the casino kept him busy and active. Roger loved football, old westerns, and would readily admit to a certain fondness for Hallmark specials. He was a loving, devoted, and extravagantly generous husband, father, grandfather, and friend who always had a smile, wink, and treat for those he loved. He will be dearly missed and joyfully celebrated.

Roger is survived by his loving children, Gail (Paul) Zizelman of Paulding, Steve (Charissa) Kroeckel and Jodi (Eric) Lause, all of Defiance, eleven grandchildren, nineteen great-grandchildren, and his brothers, David (Sandy) Kroeckel and Kim Kroeckel, all of Defiance.  
  
In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his loving wife Sharon Kroeckel, daughter Terri Apt, the family pet, Suray, brother Danny Kroeckel, and sister, Sandy Cranford.
  
Visitation will be held on Friday, October 24, 2025 from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm at Schaffer Funeral Home in Defiance. A funeral service will follow at 3:00 pm at the funeral home with Celebrant Deb Miller officiating, with Military Honors conducted by VFW #3360.
  
Memorials are suggested to Ft. Defiance Humane Society or to a charity of the donor's choice. Online condolences can be given at www.Schafferfh.com.

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