John D. Roscoe, Jr. M.D., 70, of Valparaiso passed away Friday, April 12, 2024. He was born September 3, 1953, in Baltimore, MD to John D. & Jane (Cook) Roscoe, Sr. The family relocated to Valparaiso where John excelled on the football field for Valparaiso High School, graduating in 1971. He was recruited by Notre Dame to continue his football career as a defensive lineman where he earned a B.S in 1975. He then completed his M.D. from Indiana University School of Medicine and served his residency in Grand Rapids, MI. Dr. Roscoe established his career as a family practice physician in Valparaiso in 1983 and remained dedicated to providing excellent care to his patients until his retirement in 2018.
John was a true adventurer at heart, challenging himself to master sailing, piloting small aircraft, and enjoying creative ways to get around town by motorcycle, bicycle, and even a gyrocopter he once landed in the field across from the post office. His mind was wired to approach everything with the problem-solving enthusiasm of an engineer, tackling nearly every daily task with the goal of finding a better solution. Many of these projects began with Dr. Roscoe uttering the words, “Let’s do an experiment.”
Survivors include his children: Mark (Megan) Roscoe of Illinois, Leah Roscoe of Arizona, Liz (Ryan) Olson of Iowa & Lauren (Fernando) Paz of California; siblings: JoAnn (Don) McCaffrey of Alabama, Karen Maynard of Indianapolis & Jeffrey Roscoe of Illinois; grandchildren: Jack, Anna, Greta, Caitlin & Luke Roscoe, Ariana, Elynn & Eivin Olson, Clara & Mateo Paz; and his former wife, Debra Omo of Valparaiso. He was preceded in death by his parents and twin sister, Gayla Steinberg.
A memorial gathering to honor Dr. Roscoe’s life will be announced for a future date. Memorial donations may be made to VNA Hospice of Valparaiso.
GUESTBOOK
I am so sorry to hear about the passing of one of my classmates. John. He also was my and my husband‘s doctor for a very long time. He will be very, very missed in the community, his classmates, family, and friends. -Patricia Werner
My heartfelt sympathy goes out to the family and pray you find comfort knowing how much he was loved and respected. God Bless, -Nancy Seaverns (Cleveland)
My sympathy to the family. So sad to hear of his passing. He was our family doctor years ago and was so good with children. I remember seeing a bulletin board at the office on Glendale Rd. filled with moms and their babies that he delivered. It was overflowing and fun to look at. Just a sweet memory. -The Bowker Family
Deepest condolences to John's family and friends from the VHS Class of '71. We were so happy that John attended our last reunion. -Deb Brobeck Hunter
I am so sorry to read of his passing. Peace and strength to all of his family. -Kathleen Evans
My deepest sympathy to you all. I am thrilled that he is with our Lord in Heaven. I was just thinking of John the other day, for no reason, he just came into my thoughts. I played in the drum section with John in high school. .he was SO much fun to be around...always joking and laughing, the life of the party. He was a bright light in my high school days. I wish you all peace. with love, -Mary Martha Dust
This is so sad, to see John's passing. I'm gonna miss running into him at Menards, Stracks, etc. Seemed like he was always doing some project. He will be dearly missed by all. RIP John. -John Dobbins
