Obituary of E. Roelke

Wayne Roelke was born on January 2, 1937 in Frederick, MD, and died surrounded by his family on Monday, October 15, 2012 in Ridgewood, NJ. Wayne met and married his bride, Kay, while attending the University of Maryland. He devoted his life to Kay, whom he nicknamed "Special K," and he was her "Prince Charming." His greatest achievement was his three daughters, Cheryl, Jody and Karen, whom he loved dearly. He liked nothing more than spending time with them and their families. His greatest pleasures were sharing time with friends and family, traveling, enjoying fine food and wines, theatre, the symphony and cooking. He was interested in historical and current political events. His sense of humor, caring and love will be missed by all who knew him. Wayne is survived by Kay, his loving wife of 55 years, and their daughters and husbands, Cheryl and Joel Finger, Jody and Sam Van Houten, and Karen and Brian McCloskey. In addition, he leaves 6 grandchildren who adored him; Evan, Chelsey, Nicholas, Matthew, Kristen, and Anna. He is also survived by his mother, Norma Telesco, brother Gary and wife Patricia, sister Gail Petersen Bell, and nephews Brian, Jason and Christopher. The family will host a Time of Gathering on Friday, October 19, from 6:00 - 9:00 PM and a Memorial Service on Saturday, October 20th, at 11:00 AM. Both the Gathering and Service will be held at Christ Episcopal Church, 400 Ramapo Ave, Pompton Lakes, NJ. Immediately following the Memorial Service on Saturday, the family invites you to join them for a celebration of Wayne's life at the home of Cheryl and Joel Finger. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to one of the following organizations in memory of Wayne Roelke: Valley Hospital Foundation, 223 North Van Dien Avenue, Ridgewood, NJ 07450 Woodlea Path I, C/O Stacey Sandler, 328 Franklin Turnpike, Mahwah, NJ 07430 Arrangements by the Vander Plaat Funeral Home of Wyckoff, (www.vpfh.com).