Roger Scheele

At first glance, Roger Wayne Scheele might sometimes have seemed like a man of contradictions. He could talk to anyone about anything, but he was tight-lipped about the location of his favorite fishing spots. Although levelheaded and somewhat stoic, he had a great sense of humor and a smile that could make anyone feel special. He loved a good practical joke, but was always considerate of the feelings of others. One thing that was crystal clear and predictable about him, however, was his love for his family.

The 1930s was a difficult time. With its long unemployment lines, separated families, and impending war in Europe, the Great Depression had hit the country hard, and there were more than enough reasons for people to give in to discouragement. Martin and Henrietta (Koning) Scheele of Grand Rapids, Michigan, however, had something to look forward to at the beginning of the decade. A little bundle of boy arrived on March 21, 1931, and their son Roger was soon toddling after his older siblings, Lois and Kenneth.

Growing up during that difficult time, Roger learned to live by the common saying, “Use it up, wear it out, make it do, or do without.” That mindset along with a natural talent helped him develop a knack for fixing anything he was handed. He and his family often attended East Leonard Christian Reformed Church, and faith became an important piece of Roger’s life. He attended East Leonard Elementary school.

Roger grew to be an industrious young man, and while a student at Creston High School, he worked as a florist and later as a pinsetter at Northfield Lanes and the Fanatorium. His life changed course forever when he met a girl named Graceanne “Sue” Long. She became his high school sweetheart, and shortly afterward she became his girl back home.

After Roger graduated, he joined the US Army. In a matter of months President Truman announced that he was sending American troops to Korea to help stop the spread of Communism in that country. Roger was among those sent to serve. In later years, he did tell his family that he served as a company clerk, but other than that he refused to talk much about his experiences during the war. He did share that he made a lot of friends as a clerk because people knew he had connections on how to get things. He also told them a chilling story about a shell landing on his bed one morning just minutes after he had gotten up.

Upon his discharge from the Army, Roger married Sue as soon as reasonably possible on November 28, 1953, at the Second Congregational Church. They spent their honeymoon in Florida and then settled down in Grand Rapids. Roger began work as a bricklayer and later expanded to residential masonry. His building skills not only provided for their family, but also enabled him to make several additions to their house on Rickman NE that the couple would eventually fill with five children.

As their family grew, Roger started looking for additional work and decided to pursue firefighting. He found that he enjoyed it and especially loved the camaraderie between the men in the company. He worked for the Grand Rapids Fire Department for thirty years and retired from Station 9 as a lieutenant. After retirement, he continued working as a mason for several more years.

Roger had high expectations for his kids and was somewhat strict, but he loved his children and they knew it. He involved them in his work, often taking them along to help on masonry jobs in the summer and on the weekends. They had a lot of fun together, making memories that were full of laughter and practical jokes. They especially enjoyed family trips to visit Roger’s sister on Glen Lake near Traverse City. It was a great place for him to enjoy his favorite hobbies.

Throughout his life, Roger loved the outdoors in general and ice fishing in particular. He enjoyed teaching people how to fish, and he could talk about tackle and technique all day. One thing he would never share, however, were the locations of his favorite fishing spots. When someone asked him where he caught his fish, he would just say “at Bear Lake No. 2,” which meant, “none of your business.” He even kept a log of his catches, and often hosted fish fries for family and friends. He took up golfing in his 40s and loved it, garnering a couple of hole-in-ones and playing in leagues. He often played at Gracewil, Alpine, Rogue River, and the Grand Rapids Golf Club.

Roger loved interacting with people and could talk to anyone. This was an advantage at the Baskin-Robbins he and Sue helped run after he retired. They enjoyed playing cards with friends, and as the family grew they treasured time with their grandchildren. Even as they grew older, he always loved being “Papa.”

Roger and Sue were charter members of Oakview Reformed Church and the congregation became like family. Roger served as an elder and deacon for many years. As Sue began developing health problems, the love and support of their church was invaluable. As Sue’s challenges increased, Roger became her devoted caretaker. In 2009, he was heartbroken when he lost his bride of over fifty-five years. He was grateful to find comfort and companionship with a dear friend, Margie.

During Roger’s last couple of years, he increasingly needed more help and moved to an assisted living facility. He leaves behind an example of a faithful man who treasured his family, nurtured his faith, and invested in others. His influence will live on in those who follow. He will be missed.

Roger died on Monday, April 1, 2024. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife Sue in 2009 and by a son, Craig. Roger is survived by four children: Dwight, Boyd, Amy (Tom) Smith, and Ann (Kevin) Eding; seven grandchildren: Erica Caruso, Adam (Vicki) Scheele, Erin (Nick) TenCate, Calli Scheele, Lee Scheele, Jenna Scheele, Taylor (Sam) Guikema; several great-grandchildren; a great-great-granddaughter; as well as nieces and nephews.

A memorial service to celebrate Roger’s life will be held at noon on Saturday, April 13, 2024, at Heritage Life Story Funeral Home – Van Strien Creston Chapel, 1833 Plainfield Ave NE. Friends are invited to visit with his family before the service, beginning at 10 am. Memorial contributions to Interim Hospice are appreciated. To share a memory or photo, or to sign his online guestbook, visit www.heritagelifestory.com.