John R. Roethke, 81, of Oswego, passed away surrounded by his family on Sunday, November 12th, 2023. John, a native of Columbus, Indiana and a proud Hoosier who graduated from Indiana University, resided in Oswego for the last several years.

John was preceded in death by his parents, Richard, and Betty Jane Roethke. He is the loving husband of Beverly since 1991. He is survived by his stepchildren, Mike (Katie) of Batavia, Ryan of Batavia, and Carrie (Bryan Taylor) of Oswego. John was proud of his grandchildren, in order, Ellie, Nick, Jack, Alex, Francie and Sammi. John is also survived by his brother Rick Roethke and his sister Suzanne Hennon.

John swam competitively for Columbus High School from 1955-1959, earning state championship titles in the 200-yard freestyle in 1957-58, the 100-yard freestyle in 1958-59, setting a state meet record by over 4 seconds in a time of 50.8, and the 150-yard Individual Medley as a senior in 1958-59, which was also a state meet record. He was also a part of the winning 200-yard freestyle relay that earned a state championship in 1957-58. John was an All-American swimmer in 1961 at Indiana University. John was an American and World record holder. John was inducted into the Indiana High School Swimming and Diving Hall of Fame in 2007.

John was a career educator with 35 years as a teacher and coach in the Morton High School District #201. John remained actively involved with many of the retired teachers and staff in his later years.

John was an incredible gardener and avid fisherman and his locally famous "Loon Room" contained six different trophy fish from his memorable trips to Wollaston Lake in Saskatchewan.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to AccentCare Hospice, Wounded Warriors, or the Alzheimer's Foundation.

A memorial gathering will be held on Sunday, November 19, 2023, from 11:00 A.M. until time of sharing 12:30 P.M. at DUNN FAMILY FUNERAL HOME with CREMATORY 1801 S. Douglas Road Oswego, IL 60543.

Cremation arrangements are under the personal care and direction of the DUNN FAMILY FUNERAL HOME with CREMATORY.

For information 630-554-3888 or www.dunnfamilyfuneralhome.com