Francis A. Jaroch

Francis Anthony Jaroch, known affectionately as Randy, passed away on August 17, 2024, at 76, in West Allis, WI. He was born on December 24, 1947, in Chicago, IL, and spent his later years touching lives through his humor, care, and dedication to others.

Raised in Mundelein, IL, Randy was one of 13 children who somehow flourished in a home with one bathroom. Randy served in the Air Force, and his military tenure shaped his early adult years and instilled in him values that he carried throughout his life.

Professionally, Randy was a creative force and an empathetic soul. His early professional career included working as a radio announcer, being the Poetry Editor at the Omaha World-Herald, writing for Bozell & Jacobs advertising agency, and being the Creative Director at Omaha Steaks International. He was a published author whose works included a children's series titled The Adventures of the Sneeky Sneekers and a poetry collection called The Ripening. In retirement, he dedicated much of his time to VITAS as a hospice volunteer, demonstrating his compassionate nature and commitment to end-of-life care.

Beyond his professional and military service, Randy was an avid reader and an exceptional writer. He had the most amazing handwriting in the world and sent the best greeting cards. He excelled at crossword puzzles, and his love for jazz and various genres of music filled his home and heart. Randy also found pleasure in watching movies and discovering all variety of comedies and dramas. He loved to laugh, and Jiminy Glick was a personal favorite.

Randy's personal life was rich with love and relationships. He is survived by his son, Todd (Julie), and daughter, Noelle (John Bauer), as well as siblings Tim (Patricia), Mike (Marsha), Julia (Ethiraj Venkatapathy), Bernadette (Steve Hagerman), Joe, and John (Diane), and former wife, Jeanne. He was preceded in death by his wife, Susan, parents, Stanley and Jayne Jaroch, and siblings, Chris, Stan, Chipp, Rodney, Mary and Madeline. His role as Papa Ran to Alana, Callum, and Maia was among his greatest joys.

A service to honor Randy's life will be held at VITAS Hospice, 8300 Beloit Road, West Allis, WI 53219. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the VITAS Community Connection, supporting the cause Randy has sincerely volunteered for and deeply believed in. Randy's legacy of kindness, creativity, and community involvement will be remembered and cherished by all who knew him.