Mr. Paul E. “Rocky” Roxlau, 85, of Burlington, died at 3:50 p.m. Thursday, May 20, 2020 at his residence.
Born September 17, 1934 in Burlington, he was the son of Arthur Colter Roxlau and Dorothy May Arpe Roxlau Hill. He was raised by his step-father, Joseph Hill. He married Phyllis L. Stoecker March 7, 1959 in Burlington.
Rocky graduated from Burlington High School and attended Burlington Junior College. He served in the United States Army from 1955-1957 as military police in Korea, during the Korean War. At the age of 12, he started working as a pin setter, then desk boy, moving up to owner and operator of Roosevelt Lanes and Bowl Inn Madison Lanes. He retired in 2000 after working 53 years in the business.
He was a member of First United Church of Christ.
He was a member of the Burlington Kiwanis Club for many years, serving as past President 1987-1988, Leroy Pease Award recipient 2016-2017 and past Secretary. He was inducted into the Iowa Bowling Hall of Fame this past March, and was the Regional Vice President of the Bowling Proprietors Association of America.
Survivors include his wife of 61 years, Phyllis of Burlington; two sons, Wally Roxlau and Roy Roxlau, both of Burlington; special adopted grandson, Adrian Wilson of Burlington; five siblings, Patricia (Dennis) Brown, Bonnie White, JoAnn Bryant, all of Burlington, Harry Joseph (Mitzi) Hill of Carthage, IL and Paula (Mike) Jakub of Mannasas, VA; nieces and nephews; great-nieces and great-nephews; and many friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; two infant brothers, Roger Lee Roxlau and Harvey Eugene Roxlau; and sister, Betty Crabill.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, a private family memorial service will be held for Rocky. Military rites will be accorded by the Burlington Area Veterans Honor Guard. Celebrant will be Melissa Mosley. Inurnment will be in Aspen Grove Cemetery at a later date. There will be no public visitation.
According to Rocky’s wishes, cremation has been entrusted to Lunning Chapel.
Memorials for Kiwanis Club and Great River Hospice may be sent in C/O Lunning Chapel, 2620 Mt. Pleasant St., Burlington, IA 52601.
Condolences for the family may be left at www.lunningfuneralchapel.com.
