Carl Bernard O’Roake, age 84 of Litchfield, Illinois, passed away peacefully at home with his wife on Saturday, October 4, 2025.
Carl was born July 22, 1941, in Newton, Iowa, the son of Cecil B. and Margaret Mozelle Morrison O’Roake. He grew up in Newton, Iowa, attending local schools and graduating from Newton High School with the Class of 1959.
Carl began his career working for his family’s plumbing business in Newton, Iowa. He quickly became a master plumber at the young age of 21. In 1965, Carl began his career as an industrial engineer for Maytag in Newton, Iowa. In 1975, Carl became a plant manager. This position took him from Hastings, Nebraska to Litchfield, Illinois where he worked for True Weld Grading until he retired in 2008.
On October 8, 1960, he and Ann Breckenridge were united in marriage in Missouri. They have enjoyed 65 years of marriage. They had 2 children: Christopher O’Roake, who passed away at age 56, and daughter Carla (Frank) Snyder who survives.
Long-time residents of Litchfield, Illinois and faithful members of the St. Timothy United Methodist Church, Carl and Ann loved serving people and their Lord. They helped open a soup kitchen, and Carl chaired various committees within the United Methodist Church until 2025. Carl loved his church, family, and Nebraska Cornhuskers!
He is survived by his wife Ann, daughter Carla (Frank) Snyder. He is survived by his grandchildren: Stephanie O’Roake, Cory (Charlene) O’Roake, Jean (Zack) Vaughn, Blake Snyder, and Brittni (Cameron) Borri. He is also survived by his great-grandchildren: Julia, Conlin, and Cambren O’Roake; Carlton, Chrystopher, and Clayton Vaughn; and Elodie Borri.
The family will have a private service. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Any memorial donations should be directed to St. Timothy United Methodist Church Soup Kitchen in Litchfield, Illinois. Please share a memory of Carl, a picture, or leave the family a condolence by visiting www.donnellwiegand.com
Donnell – Wiegand Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.
