Citadel’s WLS-AM Chicago reports the death of Tom Roeser, who had been a fixture of Chicago media for decades. He was still hosting a weekly talk show on WLS until the middle of this month. Roeser was 82 when he died on Sunday (5/29).
“Tom Roeser was a valued member of the WLS on-air lineup for 17 years. He was heard primarily in his regular Sunday night slot where listeners could participate in his radio ‘plebiscites’, weighing in on the political issues of the week past, and looking forward to the week ahead. He was devoted to his principles and stalwart in his advocacy, respected by friend and foe alike. WLS sends condolences to his wife Lillian, and to their children. He will be missed,” said a statement posted by the station.
Roeser had also been a senior correspondent and talk host for Catholic Family Radio and occasional commentator on WTTW-TV (PBS) Chicago. He founded the conservative online newspaper The Chicago Observer in 2007.
His career took Roeser from covering politics to working in government as an aide to two US congressmen and a governor. He had a long career in public affairs and government relations at The Quaker Oats Company, interrupted by stints at the US Department of Commerce and the Peace Corps. He retired from Quaker Oats in 1991 as a vice president.
