John R. Roscka, 60 of Monticello, Indiana passed away at 12:40 a.m. on Friday, August 18, 2023, surrounded by his family, at the White Oak Health Campus of Monticello, Indiana due to complications from organ failure.
John was born on Monday, April 22, 1963, in Plymouth, Indiana to Eli J. and Cleta Sue (Wilson) Roscka, Jr. They both preceded him in death.
On Saturday, June 17, 1989, in the Knox United Methodist Church of Knox, Indiana he married Teri D. Reiff. She survives.
John graduated from Knox High School. He was the announcer for Knox varsity basketball and kept statistics for almost every sports team. While living in Knox, he also drove a school bus and tended bar at Bass Lake. He attended Ancilla College, Vincennes University, and graduated from Worsham College of Mortuary Science in Wheeling, Illinois in 1989. John worked in the funeral industry in Knox, Plymouth, and Monticello, before building and opening his own funeral home in 1997. That business was formed with the guidance of Fred Miller and became known as Miller – Roscka Funeral Home. He was extremely proud of his business and its ties to the community. John was a member of the IFDA and IFDI.
At Twin Lakes, John could be found working in the concession stands for varsity sporting events and did so for over 20 years. He was an organizer of and regular participant in the White County Every 15 Minutes program held each spring. John enjoyed being the emcee for the annual show choir competition. He was also a Union Township 4-H leader, announcer for Battle of the Barns, and the 4-H Auction. John served on the Monticello Chamber of Commerce Halloween and Christmas parade committees and was a past chamber volunteer of the year. His memberships included the Monticello Gideons, I.O.O.F. Lodge #107, Libanus Lodge #154 of the Free and Accepted Masons, Orak Shrine Club, and the Monticello Kiwanis Club. John had also served on the White Oak Health Campus Advisory Board. He was a member of the Monticello Christian Church where he served on various committees, was a deacon, and operated the sound board for over 20 years. He was also a faithful volunteer at the Idaville Tractor pulls and the Burnettsville Community Day fish fry.
Serving on the Twin Lakes School Board was one of John’s greatest passions. He held a board seat on and off for almost 20 years. He was a past president. John believed that our children are our future, and they were owed the best educational experience possible. Every vote he cast was with that thought in mind.
John enjoyed his yearly trips to Myrtle Beach, traveling, and riding his Harley Davidson motorcycle while he was able. His yard was a source of enormous pride and always had perfect lines and not a single weed. He also was an avid supporter of the Indianapolis Colts; Jeff Saturday was his favorite player whom he had the pleasure of meeting. John also enjoyed I.U. basketball.
In addition to his wife Teri D. Roscka, John is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Ashley and Justin Brown of Monticello. He is also survived by his two sets of twin grandchildren who were the lights of his life, Lincoln and Mallory, age 4, as well as Levi and Graham, age 1 of Monticello. John is also survived by his mother-in-law, Reta Reiff of Monticello, sister-in-law, Mari (Danny) Barnes of West Lafayette, and brothers-in-law, Bill (Amy) Reiff of Monticello and David (Angie) Reiff of Burnettsville. Also surviving are nieces Kelli (Neil) Salomon, Katie Reiff, and Emma Barnes and nephews Jacob (Meg) Reiff, Brad, Craig, and Tim Reiff, and Sam Barnes, great nephews Blaine, Luke and J.D. also survived by his aunt Janet (Larry) Reynolds of Fishers and numerous other family members.
John was preceded in death by his parents, Eli and Cleta Roscka, sister, Anne Roscka, an unborn grandchild, father-in-law, John Reiff, and a great niece Charlotte Reiff.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to Physio Care Hospice for the love and care shown to John during his final days and hours.
A gathering of family and friends will be held on Wednesday, August 23, 2023, from 2:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at the Miller – Roscka Funeral Home of Monticello, Indiana.
A celebration of life service will be held on Thursday, August 24, 2023, at 10:30 a.m. at the Miller – Roscka Funeral Home of Monticello, Indiana with the Rev. Chirs Dodson and Rev. Benji Riddle of the Monticello Christian Church officiating.
Burial will follow in the I.O.O.F. Riverview Cemetery of Monticello, Indiana.
In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be given to the Educational Foundation of Twin Lakes to establish a Scholarship in John’s Honor. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home or can be mailed to 6368 E. US 24, Monticello, Indiana 47960 C/O Roscka Scholarship.
