Roger J. Van Hemelryk, 79, passed away peacefully on August 9, 2020. He was born on June 13, 1941, in Green Bay, the son of Henry and Mildred (Reinhard) Van Hemelryk. On August 17, 1963, Roger married the love of his life, Patricia McAllister.

Roger worked at Barbeau Manufacturing for a short time before following his interest in the meat industry at Armour & Co. When Armour & Co. closed in 1980, Roger sought to fulfill a passion of starting his own business. With Patricia by his side, Roger followed his dreams when the couple opened Maplewood Meats in November, 1983. From the beginning, Roger and Patricia ran a business rooted in their personal values of family and hard work. Roger genuinely appreciated the people who made up his staff and always felt they were more like family than employees. Roger cherished the relationships he developed over the years with customers, staff, and association members. He understood life is about the journey, and whether it is in our personal lives, relationships or careers, we cannot do it alone.

Roger treasured quality time spent with family and friends. Traveling the world brought wonderful memories to Roger's life and he always knew it wasn't the new places, but the people joining him on the adventures. His pure heart and ability to strike up a conversation created timeless memories, no matter how long it had been since they last enjoyed each other's company.

Roger found no greater joy than being surrounded by family each and every day. The involvement of his children and grandchildren in the family business brought him a great sense of pride and truly meant the world to him.

Roger will be remembered as someone who was genuine, and always had the time to listen, share advice and provide guidance to others. He left this as a lasting legacy to his family.

Roger will be memorialized for many things, but none more important than his unwavering love and devotion to his wife, Patricia "Gram." Her battle with Alzheimer's disease was not how they envisioned growing old together. As avid travelers, they dreamed of continuing to navigate the country in their motorhome, taking time to enjoy the simplicity of life. May Roger find everlasting peace in that Patricia, the love of his life, knows he never left her side.

Roger is survived by his wife, Patricia; son, Dave (Vicki) Van Hemelryk; daughter, Lisa (Bob) Schulze; seven grandchildren, Brad Van Hemelryk and his fiancée, Lindsay; Sara (Brian) Fliess, Cari Van Hemelryk and her fiancé, Aaron, Megan Adams, Matthew Adams, Kasey (Bryan) Neumann, Kevin (Kaitlyn) Schulze; five great-grandchildren, Mason Fliess, Peyton and Kinsley Schulze, Oliver and Molly Neumann; two brothers, Clyde (Marian) Van Hemelryk and Carl Van Hemelryk; four brothers-in-law, Lloyd (Anna) McAllister, David (Lois) McAllister, Mike (Dorothy) McAllister, and Robert (Kathy) McAllister; a sister-in-law, Bonnie McAllister; nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother-in-law, Richard McAllister.

Visitation will be at Ss. Edward and Isidore Catholic Church, 3667 Flintville Rd., Flintville, from 2 to 5 p.m. Sunday, August 23. Visitation will continue on Monday at the church, from 9 to 11 a.m.; followed by the Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m. with Rev. Mike Ingold officiating. With concerns for the coronavirus, all in attendance are required to wear masks and their temperature will be taken as they enter. The church is limited to 100 people at a time, with others waiting outside observing physical distancing and proper sanitization. Entombment will take place at the Shrine of the Good Shepherd Mausoleum. Blaney Funeral Home is assisting the family. To send online condolences, please go to www.BlaneyFuneralHome.com .

Roger's service will be live streamed Monday, Aug 24th, 2020 at 11 am CST.  Please join the family in remembering Roger's life by using the link below.

https://www.facebook.com/Ss-Edward-Isidore-Church-562136803967841

The family wishes to thank the staff at Woodside Lutheran Home for the wonderful and compassionate care Roger received. To the friends Roger gained over the past few years while transitioning to assisted living, please know these relationships meant the world to Roger and the family is eternally grateful.

In lieu of flowers, please make any donations to the Alzheimer's Association.