Roger Thomas Van Ark of Green Bay passed into eternity on December 29, 2024. He was born on February 22, 1934 to the late Sylvester and Amelia Vanark as the youngest son in their growing family.

Roger graduated from Central Catholic High School in 1952 and immediately joined the United States Air Force, serving his country while stationed in Japan for 4 years. On April 4, 1959, Roger married Elizabeth Hill. Together they raised 5 children and recently celebrated 65 years of marriage with family and friends.

Roger retired from Super Value Corporation in 1997 after 29 years of service. His career also included roles at Fort Howard Paper and James River Paper. During "retirement," Roger's job became volunteering for many years at St. Mary's Hospital. Later in life, he volunteered at his beloved restaurant, the Golden Basket, helping the waitstaff by rolling silverware during their busy times. He was a member of St. Agnes Catholic Church, where Roger often assisted in counting the collection.

Roger's hobbies included listening to polka music, playing cards, working on puzzles, and spending time at the family's cottage. He was also a proud member and past president of the local Eagles Club, where he was honored in the State Hall of Fame in 2008.

Roger is survived by his wife, Elizabeth Van Ark; daughters: Julie Baye, Jodi (Larry Sell) Potoczek, Vicki (Rick) Lemke, Cindy (Steve) Nachtwey; son: Steve (Marsha) VanArk; sister: Janet Custer; 10 grandchildren: Nicholas (Stephanie) Potoczek, Richard (Sarah) Baye, Michael (Charis) Potoczek, Morgan (Michael) Stertz, Kelsey Potoczek, Christopher Lemke, Brandon Nachtwey, Riley (Leticia) Baye, Ian VanArk and Olivia VanArk; and 8 great-grandchildren: Bella, Brynn, Willow, Brantley, Piper, Bennett, Calvin, and Lochlan. He was preceded in death by his parents, Sylvester and Amelia Vanark; siblings Robert (Erna) Vanark, Marion (Paul) Bauman, James (Doris) Van Ark; and granddaughter Katie Potoczek.

Visitation will be held Saturday, January 4, 2025 from 12:30 pm to 2:00 pm at Blaney Funeral Home in Green Bay, followed by a Celebration of Life service. The family would like to thank the wonderful staff at Unity Hospice who assisted them during the past months. The family would also like to thank Gus & the wonderful waitstaff at the Golden Basket for the love and care they showered on Dad these past few years. Roger's life, legacy, and stories will be remembered fondly by all who knew him.