Roland Lawrence Recker

Recker, Roland L.
Neenah

Age 70, formerly of Appleton died after many months of battle with Acute Leukemia. He died at home with family present, on May 3rd, 2004. He was born March 10, 1934 in the City of Appleton to the late Marcella C. (Helser) and Alphonse A. Recker. He attended elementary schools in Appleton and left high school for service in the U.S. Air Force – during the Korean War. He returned to Appleton in 1955 and was appointed a Foot Patrolman on the Appleton Police Department, January 1, 1956. He retired as a Detective Lieutenant, October 24, 1984. The bulk of his police career centered on the Police Sciences (Laboratory), Identification Division. He belatedly received his High School Diploma from Appleton High School West. While attending numerous Police specialized schools in the country he also graduated from Fox Valley Technical College with an Associate Degree in Police Science, and still later from Milton College with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminal Justice. Of highest praise, was his graduation from the F.B.I. Academy at Quantico, VA in 1974. He was the author of numerous state and national police science articles specializing in death investigations, suicides, handwriting analysis and police X-ray photography. He completely enjoyed his career and especially the people he served. The past eight years, he and family members published an informational newsletter for Police Retiree’s and past officers. He also worked the past 8 years as a Volunteer in Policing for the Appleton Police Department.
Following his retirement he turned to restoration of military vehicles and service in several Veterans Organizations. He served many years in the U.S. Army Reserves. He has served various organizations in the following capacities and time periods: President for the Wisconsin Law Enforcement Officers Association, 1964-1969. President for Appleton Municipal Credit Union, 1964 – 1966, when consolidated into Community 1st Credit Union. Founding Vice President for Wisconsin Association of Criminology, 1966. President of the Wisconsin Association for Identification, 1972. Past President and Chairman of St. Bernadette’s Administration Council, 1973-1975. President for Fox Valley Heart Club 1979. President of S.S. Peter and Paul School Board 1986-1988. Commander State 7th District – VFW and later Commander State 6th District – VFW. Vice Commander Weyauwega American Legion Post # 176. 1st Vice Commander for AMVETS Post 7, Oshkosh, 1993-1996. Vice President for Military Veterans Museum of Oshkosh for 2 years. Roland was a member of the Neenah Post #33 of the American Legion, the Neenah VFW Post 10893, and Voiture 751 Winnebago County 40@8.
As his history indicates, he prided himself in being of service to others. His wife Myra of 49 years is the love of his life and was always supportive of his various endeavors and accomplishments. She was the great lady behind the scene. God willing he will continue to serve other’s in the Lord’s domain.
He is survived by his wife Myra R. (Pulda) Recker, 5 children: Angela M. Farrier, Mark J. Recker, Cheryl A. Holey, Paul J. (Rhonda) Recker and John P. (Barbara) Recker. There are sixteen grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. Roland’s brothers are: Donald C. (Audrey) Recker, James G. Recker, Richard H. (Geraldine) Recker, and David R. (Crystal) Recker. One brother Robert L. (Margery) Recker preceded him in death. A sister Diane A. (Jerome) Trendal resides outside of Iola, WI. Close and dear friends: Karen Salin and Tom Witczak.
The Mass of Christian Burial will be conducted on Thursday, May 6, 2004 at 11:30 AM at St. Gabriel Catholic Church on Green Bay Road in Neenah with the Rev. Richard Allen officiating. Interment will take place at St. Joseph Cemetery in Appleton. Friends may call at the Wichmann Tri-County Chapel on Wednesday (TONIGHT) from 4-8 PM and also on Thursday at the church from 10:30 AM until the time of the mass. Parish prayer and scripture services will be conducted at 7:30 PM on Wednesday. The Legion and VFW visitation will be at 6:30 PM on Wednesday.