John Joseph Rozum

John Joseph Rozum, aged 88, died July 2, 2008, at home. He died just days after celebrating his 55th anniversary with his wife, Sue Kirk Rozum. He is survived by his 3 children, their spouses and 5 grandchildren: Jennifer Sue Rozum, MD and her husband Gregory M. Hawkins of Las Vegas, NV; John Andrew Rozum, JD and his wife, Maria Diego Rozum along with their children Angela Maria, Joseph David and Andrew Nikolaus of Visalia, CA; and Elizabeth Anne Rozum, MLS and her husband Rick Walcott along with their children Jordan Christopher and William Jaspar of North Logan, UT. He also has one surviving sister, Rosemary Kotch and one sister who preceded him in death, Genevieve Platt. John was a veteran of World War II serving as the Communications Chief for the 379th Fighter Squadron of the Army Air Corps. He achieved the rank of Master Sergeant and earned the Bronze Star. He fought in the European Theater and was part of the Normandy Invasion. His professional career was that of an educator, first as a teacher, then school principal and ultimately as a school superintendent. He retired in 1982 in Earlimart, CA, where he and his wife resided for 30 years prior to moving to North Logan, UT in 2001. He received his MA from Long Beach State in CA in 1960 and his BA from Arizona State College in Tempe, AZ in 1951. He was born and raised in Youngstown, OH, the son of Slovak immigrants who had little education. He did not speak English until he started school at Holy Name parochial school. He had a life long commitment to education – for himself, his students and faculty and his children all of whom attained graduate degrees. John was active in Lion's Club, serving in all officer roles including President. After retiring, he taught himself computers and became an amateur researcher in genealogy, even contacting relatives in Slovakia. He had a wonderful somewhat wacky sense of humor. As his health failed and he was in the hospital, he was still upbeat and joking with all those around him. He loved his entire family but especially his wife, about whom he would often tell the story of the day "this gorgeous creature" first walked into his life. He in turn was much loved by his family who will miss him. The family would like to especially thank Intermountain Health Care, Home Health and Hospice, his home caregivers, the staff at Logan Regional Medical Center and his physician, Dr. Robert Nash for the wonderful care he received. The family would also like to thank the members of the North Logan 14th Ward for their help and support. Graveside services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Monday, July 7, 2008 at the Logan City Cemetery with military honors. Services are under the direction of Nelson Funeral Home. Condolences may be extended to the family at www.nelsonfuneralhome.com .