Maj. Thomas P. Rozga

Born to Eternal Life March 30, 2018 at the age of 95 years. Beloved husband of Gloria (nee Rakowski) for 71 years. Loving father of Susan (Mike) Barrett, Thomas (Bunny), Melissa Kay (Steve) Rabe, Mary Ellen, Ann Elise (Allan) Kryszak and John (Jackie). Dear grandpa of Tim Barrett, Nicole (Rick) Hahne, Neal (Kensy) Rozga, Sara (Brian) Tilton, Matthew Barrett, Amy Rabe, Jason (Michelle) Kryszak, Steven Rabe, Jessica (Matt) Sullivan, Kyle Rabe, Courtney (Shawn) Casper, Leanna (T.J.) Cavender, Adam (Kristin) Rabe, Jordan (Christopher) Higgins, Trevor Rozga, Jenna (Dee) Kenyi, Jonathan Blair and great-grandfather of McKenna and Jack Barrett, Mark and Mason Reszczynski, Morgan and Martin Higgins, Chase and Grant Hahne, Braden Rozga, Cole Hahne, Abby and Lexie Rozga, Carter and Rylee Sullivan, Logan Kryszak, Cayli Cavender, Halle Blair and Nehemiah Kenyi. Preceded in death by his parents John and Katherine and siblings; Florence, Helen, Felice, Mary, Anthony, John and Thaddeus. Dear brother-in-law of Lois Rozga. Dear friend of Mary “Berry” Determan. Further survived by many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Tom was a proud veteran of the US Navy, US Marine Corps and US Army serving from 1942 to 1969 as a Pilot with the rank of Major. He served in WWII, Korean War and the Cuban Missile Crisis. While Commander of the 4th Marine Division VMO-4 Squadron he was the first American Aviator to step foot on Iwo Jima on D+2 Day. He was awarded three Distinguished Flying Crosses while serving during wartime, earning one of them for a particularly dangerous night mission on Iwo Jima. He received 12 awards for combat service and air medals in both WWII and Korea. Tom was a Funeral Director for over 60 years and the 3rd generation owner of Rozga Funeral Home which is now in the 5th generation of family operating 3 locations in Milwaukee. He was a member of the Wisconsin and National Funeral Directors Associations, a lifelong member of the Basilica of St. Josaphat Parish where he was involved in many ways for many years, including a member of the St. Josaphat Holy Name Society, founding member and first President of the St. Josaphat Home & School, Knights of Columbus St. Josaphat Council 13583 and Knights of Columbus St. Josaphat Assembly 3210. He was also a member of the Distinguished Flying Cross Society, a past National Commander of the PLAV and member of Post 49. Member of VFW, 40&8 Jefferson County Voiture Locale 750, 1st Cavalry Division Alumni Association, American Legion and Past Commanders Club, EAA, Milwaukee Society PNA, South Side Business Club, International Mushrooms Pickers Society “IMPS”, Sons of Neptune and Noel Society. Memorials to the St. Josaphat Basilica Foundation would be appreciated. Visitation Friday, April 6 at the Rozga-Walloch Funeral Home (4309 S. 20th St) from 3:00-7:00 PM with a Vigil Service at 6:30 PM. Additional Visitation Saturday, April 7 at the Rozga Funeral Home (703 W. Lincoln Av) from 9:00 – 10:30 AM then to the BASILICA OF ST. JOSAPHAT (601 W. Lincoln Av) for the celebration of Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 AM. Interment with Full Military Honors to follow at St. Adalbert Cemetery.