June Roohr

Madison -  June Devine Roohr passed away on Friday, May 21, 2021 at Agrace Hospice in Fitchburg, surrounded by her daughters, after a three-year battle with ovarian cancer.  She was just a few weeks away from her 85th birthday.

June was born on June 1, 1936 in Owen Wisconsin, the daughter of Morris and Martha Devine. She graduated from Owen High School in 1954 and went on to earn a degree in History and English education from UW-Eau Claire 1958.  She was proud to be the first member of her family to attend college and credited this educational opportunity for enabling her to live a rewarding and comfortable life.

She was united in marriage to Wayne Roohr in 1958 and they were married for 55 years until his death in 2013. June taught for several years and then focused her energies on raising four children.  She eventually returned to school, receiving a Master’s Degree in 1978 from UW-Whitewater.  She taught Special Education and Reading at Schenck (Whitehorse) Middle School in Madison until her retirement.

Although June lived in Madison for most of her life, she maintained a strong, active connection with her hometown of Owen.  She valued the special friendships she made growing up and was able to maintain close connections with friends she made starting in elementary school.  She loved to attend the annual class reunions held each summer until her cancer made it difficult.

In 1995, June joined with a small group of Owen High School alumni to purchase their 1921 school and adjoining gym in order to preserve the buildings, curate local history and a serve as a focal point for community activities.  She served as President of the Friends of the Old School Inc. for many years until she had to pass on leadership to others.

June had a wide group of friends and everyone who met her was stuck by her welcoming personality and good humor. She was a proud, lifelong Democrat and was dedicated to progressive politics and social justice issues. Her many interests included reading, travel, and watching PBS mysteries.  She was especially proud of her beautiful yard and gardens.  She enjoyed watching the variety of birds who visited her backyard feeders and none of them went hungry!

June was preceded in death by her parents; and her husband, Wayne, who passed in 2013.  Her children are grateful to have been gifted such a wonderful and loving mother, and life will not be the same without her. She is survived by daughters, Kathryn Maloney, Margaret (Dennis) Landphier, Linda (Jose) Bracho, and son Mark Roohr (Angie Weaver). She was the proud grandmother of Jose (Jenna) Bracho, Andrea Bracho, Allyssa Landphier, and Conor Maloney.  She is further survived by her brother Mike (Mary) Devine, and nephews.

A visitation will be held on Tuesday, June 1, 2021, which would have been June’s 85th birthday, at Cress Funeral and Cremation Service, 3610 Speedway Road, Madison, from 12-2pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Wednesday, June 2, 2021 at Holy Rosary Catholic Church, 415 W 3rd St., Owen, WI at 11am. Friends may greet the family from 10am until the time of service.  Burial will follow at Riverside Cemetery.