Dr. Michael William Rochowiak PhD, DO who was born on August 11, 1934 in Baltimore, Maryland, passed peacefully to the loving, caring, and gentle hands of our Lord on November 4, 2020, at the young age of 86. His Celebration of Life will be November 28th at St. Jude Catholic Church in Oak Grove, MO, with visitation from 10:00 – 11:00 a.m., followed by Rosary and Mass at 11:00 a.m. He will be buried in Oak Grove Cemetery, with military honors. Because of his love of animals, the family suggests in lieu of flowers, contributions be made to KC Pet Project or Wayside Waifs in Kansas City, MO.
Mike was a Catholic and attended St. Jude Catholic Church in Oak Grove, Missouri where he was known as Dr. Mike. He was a Eucharistic Minister to the residents of The Parkway Senior Living Center, a service that he enjoyed tremendously.
Mike was in the Army and worked on the Nuclear War Heads in Arizona during the Korean War. He was a professor at Kansas City Osteopathic College and at Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska, among others. Mike’s PhD was in Anatomy and Physiology. He later became an Ob-Gyn Surgeon and a Fellow. He retired in the mid-nineties.
Mike loved animals. Watching and feeding the birds and squirrels was great enjoyment to him. He never met a fur friend that he did not like, and he always carried treats for them. He said they recognized and remembered him when he drove up or went to the Parkway. Mike loved history, Eternal World Television Network, and cooking, especially his “famous” cheesecakes.
Mike is survived by his two daughters, Christina Mouse of Grain Valley, MO, and Judith Roma of North Kansas City, MO. He was “Pop-pop” to eight grandchildren: Joey Roma, Nichola Roma, and Rebecca Stohl (Nathan) of Oregon, Edward Mouse of Indiana, CPO Andrew Mouse, Teresa Hankins (Eric) of Grain Valley, MO, Patrick Mouse (Bridget) of Ohio, and LCpl Michael Traynor. Mike had six great-grandchildren: Odin, Adelle, and Gage Hankins, Connor, Rossworm, and Bennet Mouse, and soon-to-arrive, Annie Mouse. He had three nephews: Daniel (Debra) of Huntsville, AL, Frank (Mary Beth) of Freeland, MD, and Bernard (Deborah) of Forest Hill, MD, as well as many extended nieces and nephews. Mike also has a cousin, Charlotte Filipiak of Upperco, MD. He held tight his longtime friend, Dr. Niru Pandeya of Iowa, and Candy Davis, and many more friends from church and from places where he lived including Michigan, Iowa, Florida, Texas, and Maryland. Dr. Mike was preceded in death by his parents, Adam and Frances Rochowiak, his sister Christina, and his brothers, Daniel and Bernard.
Arrangements: Royer Funeral Home, Oak Grove, MO 816-690-4441