72, of Galesburg, formerly of Knoxville, Ill. passed away at 5:48 a.m. Thursday, May 1, 2014 at Seminary Manor.
She was born January 8, 1942 in Galesburg, the daughter of Frances G. “Red” and Idella E. (Hillman) Grone. She married William G. Roehlk August 24, 1971 in Galesburg. He preceded her in death February 1, 2005.
Surviving are a step daughter, Susan (and Jeff) Buch of Fairfield, Iowa; two step sons, Brett (and Laurie) Roehlk of Cedar Rapids, Iowa and Doug Roehlk in Texas; and 10 step grandchildren, Brandon, Britini, Heather, Brianne, Brent, and Nicole Buch and Trent, Trevor, Trey, and Taylor Roehlk.
Sheila attended Farnham, Allen Park, and Lombard schools before she graduated from Galesburg High School in 1959. She received an Illinois State Scholarship to attend Western Illinois University, graduating with a B.S. in Education in 1963. She received her Master’s in Education from the University of Illinois in 1966. She was awarded the National Defense Education Act grant to continue post graduate work at Northwestern Illinois University. She also studied at the University of Iowa, Illinois State University, and Northern Illinois University. Sheila taught at Allen Park, L.T. Stone, Steele, Nielson, Cooke, and Galesburg High School. She was a principal at Allen Park and Costa Catholic Academy as well as a part time assistant to the Knox County Superintendent of Schools.
Sheila worked as a sales clerk for Kline’s Department Store and Sears, Roebuck, and Company. She also served as secretary of livestock at the Knox County Fair for many years.
Sheila was a life member of Corpus Christi Catholic Church and a member of the Corpus Christi Altar Society. She was also a member of Chapter MG of PEO and the St. Mary Medical Center Auxiliary Board. She was a past member of Alpha Delta Kappa and Phi Delta Kappa. Sheila was a life member of Sigma Kappa social sorority, the Illinois Education Association, and the National Education Association.
Sheila traveled throughout the world visiting all seven continents. She enjoyed her many friends and visiting with her former students. She especially liked her cats, reading, and growing flowers and vegetables.
Visitation will 3 to 5 p.m. Sunday, May 4, 2014 at Hinchliff-Pearson-West Galesburg Chapel. The Rosary will be prayed at 5 p.m. Sunday at the chapel. Funeral Mass will be at 1:30 p.m. Monday at Corpus Christi Catholic Church. Father William Miller will officiate. Burial will be in St. Joseph Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Guardian Angels Humane Society, Corpus Christi Catholic Church, Costa Catholic Academy, or OSF St. Mary Medical Center. Online condolences may be made at www.h-p-w.com.
Vern Dargel
Sheila is, w/o doubt, a classmate who "walked the talk" -- she seemed to practice her faith.. We went to several dances through our years at GHS & had a great time. She was smart, quick witted, & always seemed to have an upbeat outlook on life. I knew she was a teacher &, reiterating what Phil Stewart stated, she probably set high standards. It was a surprise to me she taught in so many different schools. She is a well-remembered classmate who gave an positive impression to everyone who knew her. Vern
Karen Johann (Pinkham)
Sheila will live on in our hearts and thoughts always. So positive in her thinking and treating everyone as though they were special to her. She treated everyone the same. She will truly be missed at the 55th.
Jennefer Wetherford (Eldert)
Sheila went to Farnham School with me; then went to Allen Park (?) She has been involved with the Class of 59 for so many years. I know the ones who attend the meetings will miss her cheerful smile; I know I will at the reunion as she would always go out of her way to talk to everyone!! Rest in peace. She took after her mother. Jennefer
Jennefer Wetherford (Eldert)
Sheila went to Farnham School with me; then went to Allen Park (?) She has been involved with the Class of 59 for so many years. I know the ones who attend the meetings will miss her cheerful smile; I know I will at the reunion as she would always go out of her way to talk to everyone!! Rest in peace. Jennefer
Adale Lauver Finch (Tessman)
So many wonderful memories of Sheila and some great times together. She will be sorely missed, but many of us are better folks for having known her. Reunion will not be the same without her welcoming everyone. RIP my friend! Adale
John Sauter
Sheila was such a good person! We will all miss her and her important role in our reunions.
John Sauter
Judy Buck (Shotts Cornett)
It is touching to read all the previous comments and memories of dear Shiela. I will always remember her quiet, gentle, steady spirit. She had many accomplishments it seems. But the ones that last are the relationships and she touched so many of us. I did not know we were P.E.O. sisters. We will miss her!
Duane Lawson
I'm not sure how many years Sheila was involved in the programming of our reunions,but I'm pretty certain it has been at least twenty-five years. Maybe, maybe more? Anyway what a blessing that we had this marvelous person as part of our class. Surely she will be missed!
St. Peter opened up the"Gates Of Heaven" and welcomed her with open arms.
Duane Lawson
Gale Gillenwater (Dodge)
I too am reminded of Sheila's friendship as we grew up and her kind manner and sincere interest in helping others. As a fellow educator, she had accomplishments way beyond my experiences. I certainly appreciated all that she did to organize past reunions. We will certainly miss her presence in our lives.
Judy Buck (Shotts Cornett)
I read this quote yesterday and it seems to apply to Shiela.
"It is not what you gather, but what you scatter that tells the kind of life you have lived" Author Unknown