Fred Roecker

Fred W. Roecker, a long time Boulder resident, passed away on November 5th, 2015. Fred was born on May 31, 1926 to Emil and Emily Roecker in Evanston, Illinois. Fred attended public schools in Park Ridge and joined the army after high school serving with the 104th Infantry Division in Europe during the final stages of World War II. He married his high school sweetheart Patricia Patton on September 27th 1947 and they have been inseparable ever since. Fred enjoyed being a numbers person and always wanted to be where the action was occurring. He held financial management positions with The Pure Oil Co. in Chicago, IL, Olney, IL, Billings, MT, and Denver, CO. During the uranium boom he was Controller for Western Nuclear. In 1962 he joined NCAR serving as Controller and Director of Administration. While at NCAR he was in charge of the construction of NCAR’s laboratory building on Table Mesa. His final position was CFO for Polfam, Ltd., a family investment group. Retirement for Fred was a happy and rewarding time. He and Patty had the privilege of traveling to many parts of the world. He especially enjoyed outdoor activities, gardening, handyman projects, and family activities. He participated in consulting and volunteer activities and was a securities arbitrator, small business consultant, tax consultant, a volunteer with Legal Aid, served on the Board of the Elevations Credit Union, and several nonprofit boards. Above all, Fred loved the Lord and his family. He was an active member of the First Presbyterian Church and served on Session, Trustees, Deacons, and other committees. Fred is survived by Patty, his wife of 68 years, daughter Margaret Basnett (husband, Kenn Basnett) of Broomfield, son David Roecker (partner Lorie Obernauer) of Denver, daughter Ann Roecker-Cranston (husband Tim Cranston) of Denver, son James Roecker (wife Beverly Roecker) of Bellevue, WA, daughter Sarah Corliss (husband David Corliss) of Castle Rock and ten grandchildren, Kristen, Braden (wife Karen), Samuel, John, Alana, Emily, Katherine, Laura, Jace, and Eva, and six great grandchildren. A Celebration of Life will be held at 1:00 PM, Thursday November 12th, at the First Presbyterian Chapel, 1820 15th Street, Boulder. A reception will follow the service at the church. Memorial Contributions may be made to the First Presbyterian Church, Boulder, CO. 80302.