Roger H Gifford

Roger H. Gifford, age 83 (born 2/22/1933), passed away peacefully early Saturday morning, February 18, 2017. He was a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He will be deeply missed by his loving wife of 61 years Ruth (nee Stephan), and his four children and their spouses John (Debbie) Gifford, Mary (Dennis) Berceau, Fred Gifford, and Lauren (Tim) Burch, grandchildren Trevor (Sarah) Berceau, Calvin Berceau, Katya Burch, and Eric Burch, and great-grandchildren Alexia Berceau and Zachary Berceau, step-grandchildren Margaret, Mary, and Sarah Lompa, and step-great-grandchild Aubrianna. Also missed by his sister Pat Prentice and brother Michael (Betty) Gifford, brother-in-law Ronald (Judy) Stephan, nieces and nephews, and many other friends and relatives. Roger taught high school art for 39 years with the Milwaukee Public School system, the last 10 years of which were spent at the Milwaukee Art Museum in the Art Satellite Program. He was also an accomplished and prolific artist, creating expressionistic landscape and abstract paintings. He was a member of the Milwaukee Area Teachers of Art (MATA), 50 year member of the Italian Sheepshead Club, jazz enthusiast, and wonderful jitterbug dance partner with Ruth. In addition, he was an avid grower and connoisseur of tomatoes. Visitation will be at the MAX A SASS & SONS MISSION HILLS CHAPEL on Thursday, February 23, 2017 from 5pm to 8pm with a Eulogy Service at 7:15pm. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Cancer Research Institute.