Robert Louis “Brother Roman” Sleger, age 97, of Oconto, passed away on January 3, 2026. Brother Roman was born on December 22, 1928, in De Pere to the late Edward and Caroline (Eckstein) Sleger. He was a 1946 graduate of Oconto High School. He was a member of the National Guard in Oconto and served for 12 years. He worked on the family farm for several years delivering milk. He then worked at Oconto Brewing Co. as Assistant Brewmaster. In 1961 he entered the Blue Cloud Monastery in Marvin South Dakota. While at the mission in South Dakota he was the head cook. He also taught himself to play piano and loved to play and sing.
In 1999 he moved back to the home farm in Oconto where he was active at St. Joe/Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Oconto. He was a longtime active member of the Knights of Columbus where he served as Chaplain. One of his favorite memories was his trip to Europe where he was able to visit the Vatican where he was able to meet and walk side by side with Pope John Paul.
In addition to being dedicated to his church and community, he was an avid Packer and Chicago Cubs fan.
He will be sadly missed by 2 adopted brothers, Rodger (Janey) Thome and Randy (friend Sue Warden) Thome, as well as many nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, “adoptive parents” Gilbert and Emma Thome, sisters Ann, Ruth, Grace and Dorothy and brother Ed “Bud”, and adopted brother Ronald.
There will be a visitation on Saturday January 10, 2026, from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Oconto. Funeral Mass will be at 11:00 AM at church with Fr. Francis Nusi officiating. Interment will be at Brookside Cemetery in Oconto at a later date.
The family would like to thank the nurses and staff at Bright Life Assisted Living, especially his three Angels Michelle, Sonja and Wendy, as well as Lakeland Care and Heartland Hospice for the care given near the end of Brother Roman’s life.
Rhodes-Charapata Funeral Home of Oconto is serving the family. For more information and to express condolences, please visit www.rhodescharapata.com.
