Obituary of Anita L. Roetker

Anita L. Roetker, 91, of Lafayette, passed away peacefully in her home on October 9, 2022, at 11:10 am surrounded by her family. Anita was born in York, Nebraska March 11, 1931, the daughter of the late Henry and Mary Volzke. Preceded in death by her brother, Marvin Volzke and grandson, Brandon Smith.  Anita attended a one room schoolhouse through the fifth grade and attended Concordia Teacher’s College for High School, University of Nebraska for three years, and received her master’s degree in occupational therapy from University of Kansas in 1953. Robert and Anita Roetker were married June 12, 1954 at St. Patrick’s Church in Utica, Nebraska. They began their 68 years of married life in Indianapolis while Robert was a student at Indiana University and Anita started her practice in Occupational Therapy at Crossroad Rehabilitation center in Indianapolis. She was a lifelong member of the Occupational Therapy Association recognized by the University of Kansas for her leadership in Occupational Therapy, having a daughter and granddaughter also graduating in Occupational Therapy from the University of Kansas.

Robert and Anita started their family while he was in the Army station at Fort Bragg in North Carolina. After military service, they moved back to Lafayette in 1958 where Robert began a practice in general Dentistry for the next 51 years retiring in 2012.

One of Anita’s proudest accomplishments was raising nine children.  She was a dedicated wife and mother as well as an astute business professional and served as the corporate secretary for a number of family businesses. 

Anita was a perfect life partner, trusting in God, in marriage, in business, in family, and in profession. She was an excellent seamstress, a gourmet cook, a family leader, and a professional healthcare provider.  Loved by all who knew her.

Donations can be sent to the Lafayette Diocesan Foundation c/o Roetker Family Endowment or the charity of your choice in lieu of flowers.

Anita is survived by her husband Robert Roetker, her children Mary Inchauste, Jody Newton, Tom Roetker, Barbara Smith, Anne Krause, Cecilia Corcoran, David Roetker, Andy Roetker, Kate Nikolai and two daughters-in-law, three sons-in-law, twenty-five grandchildren and nine great grandchildren who are carrying on her legacy of contributing to society in a loving, caring, and character filled manner.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 am EDT Friday, October 14, 2022 at St. Mary of the Lake Catholic Church in Culver, Indiana.  Interment will follow at the Masonic Cemetery in Culver Indiana.  Online Tributes may be offered at www.frainmortuary.com.  Arrangements have been entrusted to Frain Mortuary in Winamac, IN.