Kenneth R. Roche

Kenneth Roche, 95, Grand Forks, passed away Tuesday May 26, 2020 at Altru Hospital, Grand Forks. 

Ken was born in Drayton, ND January 15, 1925, the son of James & Marjorie (Junkin) Roche.  He was raised in Drayton, ND, Greenbush, MN and Thief River Falls, MN.  After high school, Ken served with the US Army in WWII in France and Germany under General Patton.  He attended and graduated from NDSU School of Pharmacy.  He was in Pharmaceutical Sales for Parke Davis and then worked in several pharmacies in the area.  

He was a member of United Lutheran Church and active in the Choir, Kem Shrine Chanters and Bugle Corps, Grand Forks Curling Club, Lincoln Park Golf Club, and The Elks.  He liked UND Football and Hockey.  He was proud of his Irish heritage and liked to tell a good joke.  

Survived by his wife, Donna (Bear) Roche; Children, Colleen Leake (Mike), Scott (Sharon); Grandchildren, Dr. Ian Roche, Erica Leake (Jamison Wood, Fiancé), Dr. Conor Roche.  

Ken was preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Lucille Damberger and Dorothy “Babe” Berg; and several nieces and nephews.  

Memorials are asked to be directed to Choice Fitness or Shrine Children’s Hospitals.  

A family service will be held at Memorial Park Cemetery, Grand Forks.