Wally Roscoe

Wally Roscoe, 79, of Atlantic, Iowa, passed away Sunday evening, Sept. 23, 2007, at the Atlantic Nursing and Rehab Center in Atlantic.

Wallace Ray Roscoe was born January 23, 1928, in Lafayette, Indiana, to Bernice (Antcliff) and Franklin W. Roscoe. A sister, Ellen Jean was born when the family lived in Danville, Illinois.

In December of 1944, the family moved to Algona, Iowa, where Franklin ran a grocery store. In 1946,Wally graduated from Algona High School. He spent his freshman year of college at Morningside College in Sioux City, Iowa. In the spring of 1950 Wally graduated with a B.A. degree in Social Science from Iowa State Teachers College in Cedar Falls, Iowa.

On December 23, 1950, Wallace R. Roscoe and Enid Joy Roth were married in the First Presbyterian Church in Worthington, Minnesota. Two children were born to them in Algona, Iowa; Anne Louise on February 19, 1952, and John Michael on April 30, 1955.

In the fall of 1950, he began teaching at the Burt, Iowa, High School. He taught various subjects until the spring of 1955. From then until retirement in the spring of 1989, he taught eighth grade American History, Advance Placement American History and summer Driver Education in Atlantic, Iowa. In addition to directing student plays, he enjoyed acting from time to time. He taught a total of 39 years. Wally often said he never regretted choosing to become a teacher.

Wally was blessed with a beautiful tenor voice and sang in various musical groups throughout his life. These included church choirs and The Nishna Valley Chordsmen, of which he was a charter member. Wally was a soloist at many weddings, funerals and special events and song leader for the Atlantic Rotary Club for 14 years.

His interest in history led him to become, along with his wife, Enid, a tour guide at the Hitchcock House in Lewis, Iowa, and a member (chairman) of the Atlantic Historical Commission. Wally's interest in Atlantic's history has always gone beyond just learning about the past. This led him to spend hours writing and collecting materials to enable the Atlantic Rock Island/Pacific R.R. Station to be placed on the National Register of Historic Places; and help Atlantic maintain its value from the past for the future.

Another of Wally's hobbies was oil painting. He contributed to the painting of early Atlantic buildings on the basement walls of the Library prior to the remodeling.

Wally was an active member of the First United Presbyterian Church in Atlantic.

When Wally and Enid retired, they joined the Meals On Wheels program and were regular drivers until health problems limited their deliveries.

Wallace Roscoe is survived by his wife, Enid (Roth) Roscoe; son, John Roscoe of Corcoran, Minnesota; grandson, David Rothfarb and granddaughter, Rachel Rothfarb of Cambridge, Massachusetts; grandson, Joe Rothfarb of Waltham, Massachusetts; niece, Susan Chase of San Diego, California and special dog friend, dapple dachshund, Dooley.

Those who preceded him in death were his daughter, Anne Louise Roscoe Rothfarb, his parents, and his sister, Ellen Jean (Roscoe) Hetrick.

Wally kept busy until slowed down by poor health. One word he failed to use much when asked to help with a project was, "no".

A private family burial has been held in the Atlantic Cemetery.

Memorials may be given to the Hitchcock House in Lewis, Iowa.

Memorial services will be 11:00 a.m., Friday, September 28, 2007, at the First United Presbyterian Church in Atlantic, with the Reverend Don Seeger officiating. There will be luncheon and a time for visitation in the church fellowship hall following the memorial service.
Hockenberry Family Care in Atlantic is in charge of the arrangements.