Ray A. Rochau

Ray. A. Rochau, age 77, of Grove, OK passed away Monday, April 27, 2020 at his home after battling cancer. Ray was born on November 9, 1942 to Harley and Beth (Galbraith) Rochau in Los Angeles, CA. As a child, his family moved to Oklahoma and Ray graduated from Will Rogers High School in Tulsa in 1960. After high school, Ray attended Northeastern State University in Tahlequah, earning a Bachelor of Science in Biology. In 1963, Ray enlisted in the United States Navy and proudly served his country for 4 years during Vietnam. Ray was multitalented person and had several occupations in several fields. In the 1970’s he worked as a Programmer/Analyst in the healthcare field and banking. In the 80’s and early 90’s Ray worked in the petroleum industry in Tulsa, Houston and Enid, OK. He then went into Chemical Management for oil fields and industrial companies in Springdale, AR, Dayton, OH and Clarksville, TN. Ray and his wife moved to Grove 2004, where he began selling flotation for docks and marinas, until finally retiring in 2008. On March 30, 1991, Ray married Arlene Jacobs in Tulsa, OK. After his retirement, the couple enjoyed traveling in their R.V. to all 50 states and Canada and traveling to the Caribbean. Ray was an avid wood worker and also, enjoyed restoring a 1965 Mustang. He was active in the American Legion and a member of the Grove Veterans Ritual Team and the First United Methodist Church. Ray also served as the past President of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and was instrumental in raising money toward Heavenly Angel Hospice House. Ray was a genuine and honest man that lived life to the fullest. He treasured his family and spending time with them and was known as practical jokester. Ray will be remembered for his willingness to help and as a leader at the American Legion of Grove. He is preceded in death by his parents. Left to cherish Ray’s memory, wife Arlene Rochau, daughter, Lara Petersen and husband, Joel, of Grants Pass, OR, son, Robert Rochau of Olney Springs, CO, bonus daughters, Cindy Lynn Riddle of Bixby, OK and Debbie Outhier of Zena, OK, sister, Doris Moore of Albuquerque, NM and 6 grandchildren. Ray was passionate about many causes and asks for donations in his memory to any of the following: American Cancer Society, National Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, American Legion Post #178, Grove OK, American Legion #178 Ritual Team, Grove OK and Heavenly Angels Hospice House, Grove OK. Memorial services are planned for Thursday July 2 at 2 pm at First United Methodist Church, Grove, Oklahoma under the direction of Nichols-Stephens Funeral & Cremation Services.

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Ray A. Rochau

November 9, 1942 - April 27, 2020