Roger Keroson, age 81, formerly of Grayslake, IL, passed away peacefully while on Hospice Tuesday, March 26, 2019, with his son and Hospice Nurse at his bedside at the Wisconsin Veterans Home in Union Grove, WI after a long, courageous fight with Parkinson's disease.

He was born on November 5, 1937 in Ottawa, IL to Jean Ann (Mason) and Ralph Thompson.

Roger joined the United States Navy in 1957 and spent most of his time stationed at the Naval Air Station in Patuxent River, MD where he was a helicopter mechanic. After service he settled in Antioch, IL. He was a Tool and Die Foreman at Oak Industries in Crystal Lake, IL and then worked for Klitz Cutting Tools, Crystal Lake, IL as a salesman.

Roger loved to garden, especially growing flowers and house plants. He aided with the planting and care of indoor plants in the Gates Hall corridor at the Veterans Home where he lived. He also enjoyed many family vacations with his wife and children. Attending Classic Car events with Leon showing Leon's 1978 Oldsmobile Cutlass Calais. He also enjoyed listening to Drum solos of the 1950's and 60's. Roger was an avid Chicago Cubs, Bears and Blackhawks fan.

He wanted to help others in the future after his death by being a participant in the research of Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy study at Boston University, possibly caused by his days of Golden Glove Boxing.

Roger is survived by his daughter Lana Keroson Oksnee (Paul), son Leon, former wife and friend Jane Ellen Keroson (Higginson). His Aunt Elsie Caldwell and Uncle George "Pudgie" (JoAnn) Mason both of Ottawa IL and several cousins. Fur GrandCats Tino, Cali, Rode, Gabby and Burk.

He is preceded in death by his parents and step-father, Erwin Keroson.

Family and friends will gather at the Southern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 21731 Spring St. Union Grove, WI for Full Military Honors, on Tuesday April 9, 2019, starting at 2 pm sharp in the cemetery chapel. Burial will follow.

The family would like to give special thanks to fellow residents, Security, and Transportation in addition to the Gates Hall staff and Aurora Hospice for the care and support given to Roger and the family during his long fight with Parkinsonism.