Roger William Roe

Roger William Roe, aged 75, was called home by his Lord and Savior and finally reunited with the love of his life on May 31, 2023. Roger was born on March 11, 1948, in Hallstead, PA, to Floyd and Esther Roe. He eloped and married his high school sweetheart, Bonnie (Shimer) Roe, on August 29, 1970. They were married for 49 years until her death in 2020.

He is the loving and devoted father of Bradley (Cerita) Roe, Melissa (Troy) Spooner, and Michelle (Kris) Stam. He is also cherished by his grandchildren Emily and Kaylee Roe, Chase (Jacoba), Gabe and Ella Spooner, and Christian and Aiden Stam. He is also survived by his brothers Keith (Karen) Roe, Stephen (Victoria) Roe, and sister Wendy (Kendall) Scott, several nieces and nephews, and “bonus” grandson Abraham Gaona.

Roger attended Montrose High School, where he was active in wrestling, glee club, several choral groups, and theater. After high school, he attended Houghton College, where he graduated with a degree in education. After college, he worked at Mountain View High School, where he taught math and started their first wrestling team. Roger always had a calling to work with children and was eventually called to serve the RCA as the Executive Director for Camp Fowler in Speculator, New York, before being recruited to serve as the Executive Director of Camp Geneva in Holland, MI. During his career, he also owned Sue Vlocki’s Restaurant & Deli in Holland and started his own real estate company, American Home Land Realty, and was currently employed at American Living.

Roger loved growing up on the family farm in Pennsylvania, where he developed a love of the outdoors, animals, and gardening. He also enjoyed hunting, fishing, cooking for his family, collecting coins, traveling, and coming up with nicknames for the grandkids. He was known for his sweet tooth and enjoyed spoiling the ones he loved with treats and was especially fond of ice cream.

Throughout his life, he and his wife Bonnie were dedicated to their faith and to a life of service. Their love of faith and family was evident to everyone who knew them. They were active members of Fellowship Reformed Church, where Roger served on consistory and served as a Kids Hope mentor. He will be remembered for his encouraging and supportive spirit, strength of conviction, and gifts in mentoring others.

A memorial service will be held at 10:00 am on June 24 at Fellowship Church, 2165 W Lakewood Blvd.

Holland, MI 49424. Internment to follow at Lakewood Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Camp Fowler, Camp Geneva, Kids Hope, or the Susan Mast ALS Foundation.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.neptunesociety.com/location/grand-rapids-cremation for the Roe family.