Bev Roschek

With a life that spanned times of war and times of peace, times of plenty and times of want, Beverly Roschek lived life to the fullest while holding her loved ones near. She was one of the sweetest people around with patience that never seemed to run dry. Bev was the heartbeat of her family, and there was nothing she loved more than being a grandmother and great-grandmother who was active in the lives of all her family members. She was warm, genuine, and caring with a compassion for everyone she met. Bev leaves behind a timeless legacy that will be proudly carried on by those who follow in her footsteps.

The vibrant days of the Roaring Twenties were an exciting time to be an American. Jazz music, the Charleston, and motion pictures in both color and sound colored the fabric of our nation while cars were more affordable with the implementation of the assembly line. There were unprecedented steps taken in the world of flight with the adventurous spirits of Amelia Earhart and Charles Lindbergh, and legends like Babe Ruth made baseball America’s favorite pastime. Nestled within this exciting time was the year 1924 that was filled with great joy for a young couple from Kalamazoo, Michigan, as they were pleased to announce the birth of their baby girl on December 22nd. Beverly Jean was the second of four children born to her parents, and she was raised in the family home alongside her siblings, Paul, Richard, and Shirley. She was a student at local schools and graduated from Kalamazoo Central in 1943.

Life became very exciting for Bev when she met the young man who would change the course of her life forever. His name was Urban Roschek, and he was a friend of her brother. After dating for a time they found themselves deeply in love. With a desire to establish a life together Bev and Urban were married on July 9, 1947. Together they were delighted to welcome four children, Mike, Bill, Jim, and Judy, into their hearts and home.

From the time she became a mother Bev completely immersed herself in the task. She stayed home with her children to focus on nurturing them while her husband worked as an on -the- road salesman. Bev always made sure that they didn’t go hungry, and she provided her children with everything they needed. After her youngest child was in school, Bev worked in administration at Western Michigan University for 25 years.

In addition to caring for her family, Bev kept busy outside of the home. She became a Catholic as an adult, and she often volunteered at the church as well as with Workers of Mary. Bev was also a member of the Cursillo Movement. She was an avid golfer, and together she and her husband golfed all over the country. They were members of the Elks, and their children often went with them and did plenty of swimming in addition to playing golf, too. As a social couple, Bev and Urban also bowled, went out dancing, and liked entertaining. For several years she was a voracious reader, and she was a fan of Western Michigan University sports, the Tigers, and the Lions.

Later in life Beverly continued to live life to the fullest. Once their children were older she and Urban traveled more often, and with a desire to escape the Michigan winters they rented a place in Bradenton, Florida, for many years. There they were able to golf as much as they wanted, and Bev always loved walking the beach if they weren’t out on the links. Sadly, Urban suffered with Lou Gehrig’s disease and died much too young. Although it was difficult for her, Bev continued on. She still went to Florida and had a great group of lady friends with whom she went on some golf trips. Bev enjoyed visiting her favorite restaurant, The Fish Shanty, in Bradenton Beach. At 4 p.m. each day, she and her friends met to have their glass of wine together, too. Back in Michigan Bev loved spending time with her grandchildren, and when they were younger she helped babysit them when needed. As they got older Bev came to as many of her grandchildren’s sporting events and activities as she could. When in town during the holidays Bev was an incredible hostess who loved cooking for her family on Thanksgiving and Christmas. Sadly, for the last 10 years of her life Bev battled with dementia.

All who knew Beverly Roschek would agree that she was an extraordinary woman to know and love. She was kindhearted and gentle with a smile as her constant companion. Beverly’s love for her family was unmatched, and her ability to bless those around her was truly inspiring. Someone who enjoyed people and loved life, she will be deeply missed while her memory is forever cherished.

Beverly J. Roschek died October 9, 2014, in Kalamazoo. Bev’s family includes her 4 children: Mike Roschek, Bill (Kathy) Roschek, Jim (Ann Marie) Roschek and Judy Kuehnle; 10 grandchildren: Megan, Lisa, Bill, Jennifer, Courtney, Kevin, Anthony, Caitlan, Marc and Michael; 9 great-grandchildren: Avery, Emerson, Annie, Montgomery, Anna, Savannah, Keegan, Austin, and Ella and many nieces and nephews. Bev was preceded in death by her husband, Urban Roschek in 1998, and by 3 siblings: Paul and Richard Jones, and Shirley Bordenet. Visit with her family and friends while sharing food and refreshments on Sunday from 2-5 p.m. at the Life Story Funeral Homes, Betzler – Kalamazoo; 6080 Stadium Drive (375-2900), where a rosary will be recited at 4:30 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Monday 10:30 a.m. at St. Augustine Cathedral followed by a luncheon in the Cathedral Center. Interment at Ft. Custer National Cemetery. Please visit Bev’s personal web page at www.lifestorynet.com, where you can archive a favorite memory or photo of her and sign her online guestbook before coming to the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to Catholic Family Services.