Roman Potempa Obituary

Hands down the best and most memorable teacher I've ever had. Despite his gentle giant and caring approach, he still knew how to keep us "in line" and also very engaged in learning with his ever inquisitive manner that then fueled our curiosities about the world. I remember running in to him years later as an adult at a Walgreens with my dad and hugged him, he actually remembered us BOTH, apparently my dad was also a former student. What an awesome teacher and great man. The tears falling on the keyboard are ones of joy and peace. I know that people always say this, but they really don't make em like they used to. My heart goes out to his family, please know he had an impact way beyond the academics of the classroom towards what it means to be a contributing member of society. I think I can speak for all of your former pupils at Markham Park Elementary, MUCH LOVE, we miss you, you mattered. God Bless, and see you soon my friend. Until then, we´ll hold down the fort.

My son was a student in Mr. Potempa's class, one of the few teachers who had been able to motivate him. They bonded over artistic abilities. Mr. P encouraged him to paint a mural in the hallway outside his classroom. To this day, he speaks highly of Mr. P and we both have great memories of our conversations with him. You know a person was great when they are remembered decades later! Continue to Rest in Paradise, Mr. P.

Thinking of you you are missed

Grandpa,I miss you and think of you often

Thinking of you you are missed

I´m sorrry to hear of Mr Potempa passing. He was my elementary school teacher at Markham park. He had a great impact on my life, and he will always be remembered. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family. He will be greatly missed.

Im sad Im finding this out so late as I randomly googled my favorite elementary teacher who introduced me to different cultures through his teachings. One of the best men I knew and one in a trillion. My condolences to the Potempa family.

To the Family of Mr.R. Potempa,
I grew up in a single parent household, I did not have any father figure to mold my life, instill honor, integrity, and a moral compass to guide me through life. Mr. Potempa taught me so much, showed me how and what a confident, strong, yet caring and artistic man really was. He filled this role admirably. And I am sure for many years he continued to do these things for many many more young men from broken homes. He was truly a renaissance man, worthy of admiration and emulation.
I remember the Shelby Mustang, He had "Shelby" in prismatic lettering on the rear quarter panels. I always thought that car was so cool! I wanted one so bad because Roman had one.
He demonstrated window painting on our classroom window at Markham Park, Room 19.
When I broke my arm he wrote my name on it in cool lettering.
I remember he would dress up as Santa for kindergarten kids, I think it was the first time I saw him.
I had the honor of having Mr. Potempa as a teacher for 2-3 years, Third to 5th grades.
I remember when Ms. Squardo and Mr. Potempa announced their engagement. Janice brought in a cake and we all celebrated the good news.
I remember him reading The "Mouse and the Motorcycle" and "Run Away Ralph" to the class. This gave me a love of reading, and at one point in my life I wanted to be a writer.
I will remain anonymous, as I am sure I speak for many other men in whose lives Roman has made such a tremendous impact,
My deepest sympathies for your loss, yet lets all celebrate in joy for the blessing the Lord has gave us in having Roman Potempa in our lives, to enrich us with his wisdom, Heal us with his caring, and Strengthen us with his moral fiber.
Thank you Lord for giving us Roman Potempa

Thinking of you

Thiinking of you

Missing you. Happy Birthday,Rp.

Missing you. You are in my thought everyday.

Dear Potempa's- I just found out about Roman's passing in Feb. I am so shocked! My sincere sympathy and best wishes to you all. I worked with Roman at Camp Betz back in '64 & '65. I will always remember him as the "Great Hakowi". He was a kind, compassionate and caring person.I was hoping to reconnect with him. I know he is soaring with the "Great Spirit". We will all be with him again, when Jesus calls us home. May God give you much comfort and peace. Bob "Rosie" Rosenberger, Betz Staff.

Roman was such an inspiration to me and all my family. His creativity, fun loving dedication and influence over all those he knew. Roman was like a big brother and I learned so much from him. We will miss him immensely. God bless his family.

My deepest sympathy to the Potempa family.He was a great teacher and gifted artist. My kids will always remember going to his 5th grade class for his Native American presentations. My prayers are with you and you family.

I would like to personally thank everyone on behalf of me and my family. The outpouring of our family and friends and all of the people who came to pay their respects to our father show just how much Roman was loved and will be missed. Once we get past the sorrow, the sadness, we will be able to rejoice in the fact that Rp has gone home and we will be together again one day. Thank you for all your kind words and all the strong shoulders of everyone who helped us bear the weight of our loss. It was great to see and hear from everyone that we grew up with and those who taught us in the past so that we were able to succeed in our lives as we have done. I also want to thank the Hickey's for going above and beyond for our family. There will always be a special place in our hearts for all of you... One other thing I would like to add to Mr Liotine, my knuckles still hurt whenever I think of you. :) Thank you all.

I had Mr. P as my 6th grade teacher. I had never experienced a teacher that creative. His style of teaching was so unique. He taught me that it was okay to be different and to think outside the box. It was the first time I had ever made Honor Roll all 4 quarters! Thanks Mr. P for everything!! You'll be greatly missed.

Dear Sarah, Traci and Family,
Please accept my sympathy and prayers on the passing of Roman. He was a good husband and father! I have many fond memories of the "good old days" in District 144...And Roman was indeed part of those memories along with you too, Sarah! Please give a special greeting from me to "the Squardos" I taught.
Sincerely,
Joseph A. Liotine

Roman and his family are in our prayers.

Bill and Bonnie Small Scottsdale Arizona

May the angels lead him into paradise. Wish I could be there with you. I will be praying for you all. Roman was a great man. Peace be with your hearts and find comfort in Jesus our Savior.

To the Potempa family, many of whom I know, I am sorry for the loss of Roman. It sounds like he was a loved teacher which is rare these days. I will pray that the Lord embraces your family during this sad time.

Prayers to his family. He was ever present in assisting troop 358 and so many young men in scouting

I will never forget our summers as Betz staff members. You were a gifted Indian lore specialist;friend;jokester;great scout. May your memory be for a blessing. I will always remover you

I had Mr.P at Markham Park! One of my favs! He always taught outside the box! I tell my kids about the peanut butter and jelly story all the time! RIP MR P!

Mr Potempa was my teacher at Markham Park, he was an excellent teacher......Im so sorry for your loss.

I remember Roman as a Boy Scout at Camp Betz. He was four years older and always nice to us youger kids. My condolences to his family
Joe Sinopoli

Roman was best, we had so many good times and laughs together. Mo, Joe, Stan and Mary my prayers are with you. I'm sorry I can not be there.

I had the privilege of having Mr. P. as my 6th grade teacher - he was my favorite! He was very kind, caring, creative and somehow managed to deal with classroom after classroom of rowdy kids and smile! I will always have fond memories of him. My thoughts go out to his family for their great loss.

I had the pleasure of knowing Roman as part of the District 144 staff. My deepest sympathy for your loss. May he rest in peace. Donna Davis

Our world will miss Roman dearly but the angels in Heaven will rejoice by his company.

Like his father, Roman's impact on so many lives will endure for generations.

Jan. you and your family our in my thoughts, heart and prayers. Let me know if you need anything.

Jan, you and your family are in my prayers and heart. I will be here if you need anything.

Mr. potempa was my 5th grade teacher. Of all the years of being in school...I think he was the one that impacted my life the most! He was inspiring and such a wonderful teacher. I have been blessed to have known him. May he rest in peace.

Your light will always shine bright over all scouts. Thank you for all you did for the scouts, you will be missed.

Potempa Family, Sending my deepest sympathy on the loss of a great man.

I will always be grateful for the blessing of having had Mr. Potempa for my teacher. He was everything an educator should aspire to be, and he made a difference in my life. My sincere condolences to Mrs. Potempa and your entire family; I have been praying for them.

Your Inspiration will Never be Forgotten Mr. P. You have a Lasting Impression on us all.

I appreciated You. Your inspiration has sent so many in numerous directions of success and has left a lasting impression on our little city of Markham so Great that so many years later YOU are fondly remembered. Much Love to your family and friends as they remember you for the wonderful person that you were. Laura Kunkel

Mr. P was an amazing teacher! The world will be a little less brighter without him. I consider myself blessed to have had his guidance. Thank you Mr. P.

Jim and Joe my condolences to you and your family members on the loss of your brother.

Jim and Joe my condolences to you and your family members on the loss of your brother Raymond.

my sympathies with the family I'm so sorry for your loss. I know that Mr. Potempa will be truly missed. he was loved by many. My prayers are with all of you in your time of sorrow may God's peace be with you.

Mary, no words can help ease the pain and loss that you are feeling right now. You and your family are in our prayers..

My prayers and love are with all of the Potempa family in the loss of a wonderful man. May God bless and take care of you, Roman. P.S. Mary is blessed to be part of the best family in the world - the Potempa family! :)

Memories of a wonderful man will never be forgotten.
He shared much with many.

To The Family of Roman P. Potempa
Our heart is sadden at your lost we will
continue to Pray for your Family that God will strengthen you at this time
cherished your memories and write them in your heart because they will live forever. N. Shakespeare

Sorry for your loss Mary. My thoughts are with you.

My deepest condolences on the passing of Roman. I hope as the days go on, sorrow is replaced by fond memories that make you smile.