Charles Roum

January 04, 1936 - January 17, 2026

Obituary

Verona - Charles O. Roum, “Chuck,” was born on January 4, 1936 on the family farm near Cambridge, WI.

He attended Smithback Rural School, Cambridge High School, and graduated from UW-Whitewater with a degree in Physics and Mathematics. He later earned his Master’s Degree from UW-Milwaukee.

He was a member of the Wisconsin Air National Guard from 1954-1968, retiring at the rank of Captain.

He taught high school Physics and Mathematics for 32 years, with 31 of those years at Verona Area High School.

He was an active member of St James Lutheran Church for 62 years, serving on a variety of committees, teaching Sunday School and adult Bible Study classes.

Chuck married Marilyn Vasby on January 5, 1957 and together they were married for 69 years. They have one daughter, Marcia.

After retirement, Chuck and Marilyn enjoyed golfing and traveling. They traveled extensively with family and friends, visiting over 15 countries together.

Chuck is survived by his wife, Marilyn, daughter, Marcia, two grandchildren, Sarah (Mike) Mani and their children, Curtis and Laina, and Nathan (Megan) Brue and their children, Emma and Harper, as well as nieces and nephews.

Chuck was preceded in death by his parents, Chet and Edna Roum, his sister and brother-in-law, Nancy and Dewey Sallstrom, and his brother, Steven Roum.

A Visitation will be held at Ryan Funeral Home, 220 Enterprise Dr, Verona, on Wednesday, January 28, 2026 from 5-7pm.

The Memorial Service will be held at St James Lutheran Church, 427 S Main St., Verona, on Thursday, January 29, 2026 at 11am with a visitation before the service at 9:30am.

Memorials in his honor may be made to St James Lutheran Church or to the Michael J Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research. To view this obituary and leave a memory, please visit: www.ryanfuneralservice.com.

Ryan Funeral Home & Cremation Services
Verona Chapel
220 Enterprise Drive
608-845-6625

Events

Visitation

Wed Jan 28, 2026 @ 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM CST

Ryan Funeral Home • 220 Enterprise Dr, Verona, WI 53593

Get Directions Send Flowers for Charles's Visitation

Visitation

Thu Jan 29, 2026 @ 9:30 AM - 11:00 AM CST

St. James Lutheran Church • 427 S Main St, Verona, WI 53593

Get Directions Send Flowers for Charles's Visitation

Memorial Service

Thu Jan 29, 2026 @ 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM CST

St. James Lutheran Church • 427 S Main St, Verona, WI 53593

Get Directions Send Flowers for Charles's Memorial Service

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Patricia Wehrley

Friend • 19 hours ago

I taught in the Verona District and Chuck was one of those special teachers that everyone loved. So many lives were impacted by his kindness and knowledge of math and science. I will always be thankful for the many hours he spent negotiating with our school board for contracts which were the envy of other Wisconsin schools. Thank you for your dedication to the Verona district.

Kent Kallsen

Classmate • 23 hours ago

I am a former student of Mr. Roum, graduating in 1988. This is no secret, but I still feel compelled to share and I am quite sure I speak for 1000's of students he taught over the years, he was the best! My condolences to his family and dearest friends, may you take comfort in knowing he was a man who helped shape so many lives in such a positive manner.e

Melanie Zimmer

Friend • 2 days ago

Mrs. Roum, our family is very sorry to learn of your husband's passing, You are in our thoughts and prayers. John and Melanie Zimmer

Randall Marks

Coworker • 3 days ago

Chuck was the template you followed to be a great teacher. I taught with Chuck for about 35 years at Verona High School and he was my mentor as to how to teach science to high schoolers. He taught with kindness, sternness when necessary, and passion for his subject which became contagious to the kids he taught. He had a great sense of humor and his joy of teaching was one thing that made him unique. I will miss him but what he left behind with those who worked with him and those who were fortunate enough to have him as a teacher will remain though he is gone to us. RIP dear friend and fellow teacher. -R. Marks

Bill Feller

Classmate • 3 days ago

I looked forward to having class with Mr Roum. He was a truly great teacher and a great person.

Michelle Zinck

Friend • 3 days ago

I am so sorry to hear about Chuck. I met him and Marilyn at Noel Manor and they were such a wonderful couple. Every breakfast Chuck would have his bowl full of Cheerios and Marilyn would have her half a cup of oatmeal, just the cutest! Marilyn, I am thinking of you and your family at this sad time. Chuck will be dearly missed, sending love and hugs to you.