Willie Leolan Roseke

Willie Leolan Roseke, 91, passed away on Saturday, August 12, 2023. He was born July 26, 1932 in Okeechobee, Fl. and spent his childhood in Boca Raton, Fl. His life in uniform and in service of his country started at a very young age. As a child he was a Cub Scout, Boy Scout and Sea Scout. At age ten, he contributed to the WWII civilian efforts by helping along with other trained community members to garrison the beach lookout towers and reporting any sightings of German submarines, ships, or planes to the primary Miami station. During WWII, at age eleven, Willie volunteered at the Boca Raton Army Air Corp Base serving as a squadron mascot, spending weekends in his own bunk, reporting for reveille and marching with the troops. As an adult, he continued to serve his nation proudly in a Navy career that spanned 20 years, attaining the rank of Gunners Mate Missileman Chief Petty Officer E-7.

In 1971, he transferred to the Navy Reserve and moved to Arizona with his wife and two daughters to begin a second career as a HVAC Specialist for the Tempe Union High School District. After raising two daughters and retiring a second time, he moved to the Verde Valley, taking up residence in Lake Montezuma. He spent many happy hours hiking through the desert exploring nature and discovering ancient petroglyphs. When he wasn’t wandering in unknown places he loved visiting with friends and family, always sharing vivid stories of his adventures in the Navy. He is survived by his former wife Vernia, daughters Deborah (Doug), Serena (Erol) and grandchildren Devin and Alyssa. He will be cherished and remembered fondly by his countless lifelong friends.

He will be interred in the National Memorial Cemetery Arizona Monday, September 18th 10:30 AM.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.neptunesociety.com/location/phoenix-cremation for the Roseke family.