Roger Van Dam

Following a fulfilling life rich with cherished loved ones, treasured memories and an array of interests, Roger Van Dam leaves a lasting legacy of love. A man of great integrity and honor, he lived by the Golden Rule in all he did. Roger was extremely considerate of others, and always approached every task, deed and job with a servant’s heart. He will be forever remembered and deeply missed in the hearts of those he leaves behind.

Roger was born on July 9, 1929 in Grand Rapids, Michigan in the family home on West Leonard. His father, Bert Van Dam, was a hard working railroad engineer and brakeman for the Pere Marquette Railroad while his mother, Beulah (Jamieson) was a homemaker. One of four children, Roger shared his childhood with his older brother Roy and sisters, Marian and Dorothy. The year of Roger’s birth was marked by much and continues to be a mainstay of conversation to this day. The invention of Penicillin was a blessing to the world of medicine while Tarzan and Popeye made their debut, but the introduction of the YoYo became a favorite of children everywhere. Most notably that year, the stock market crash began the era of the Great Depression, causing economic upheaval for years to come.

Throughout their childhood together and well into their later years, Roger and his brother Roy enjoyed a meaningful and close relationship. They found their share of mischief, like getting into their father’s candy bar snacks for work, but most often took in typical boyhood adventures. As kids they enjoyed swimming and fishing, especially jumping off the Eastmanville bridge near their home. Roger had fond childhood memories of riding the trains with his father, sometimes even going all the way to Chicago, Detroit and Petoskey with him. From his earliest recollection, Roger had a keen interest in trains and steam locomotives that he also shared with his brother, and was no doubt formed from their father’s career.

Along with these adventures, Roger and Roy enjoyed many baseball games with their Dad at Valley Field. Holidays were a special time too, most often spent at Roger’s Grandma Jamieson’s house in Lowell or with family in Eastmanville. Having attended Eastmanville Elementary School, Roger went on to Harrison Park Junior High before graduating from Union High School in 1947. In high school Roger was a popular addition to the track team where he excelled in running the 440 and 880 dashes. While attending Union High School Roger became keenly aware of a young girl who made quite an impression on him. Evelyn “Petey” Faulkner got his attention rather quickly when she proceeded to pinch his behind during track practice one day. The two began dating and grew in their relationship over the next two years.

With a call to duty, Roger joined the Air Force in 1948 but was discharged in 1949 due to an excess of radio operators. At this point in time, Roger and Petey found themselves deeply in love and were married on October 22, 1949 at St. John’s United Church of Christ in Grand Rapids. Following their wedding the two spent an enjoyable and romantic honeymoon in a little cabin in Cleveland, Tennessee on the backwaters of Lake Ocala. Once they returned home Roger and Petey lived at 905 Underhill and later moved to 1453 Sixth Street NW. The heart of their home was where they mainly raised their children at 857 Fairfield NW. Happy and joyous times were spent there as Roger took in his role as a father to Judy Lee, Roger Mark and Kathy Gail who later joined the family as a beloved daughter and sister when her mother, Roger’s sister, sadly passed away. Although the separation from his family was difficult, Roger eventually had the opportunity to serve his country when he was called back to duty just after the holidays in 1953. As the Korean Conflict raged overseas, Roger ended up serving in Iceland. In fact, no known North Korean ever penetrated the borders of Iceland during Roger’s term of service.

Roger was a very attentive, giving and loving father. He could always be counted on to have his arms wide open for heartfelt hugs whether or not they were needed. An affectionate man, Roger wasn’t afraid to show his love for his family and was very proud of them. He did, however, leave the disciplining to Petey because he simply didn’t have the heart for it. Over most of his career, Roger worked as a supervisor in the construction trade. He provided a comfortable life for Petey and the kids, always placing them first. Many memorable vacations and trips were enjoyed as a family to Tennessee and Canada visiting family and friends. They traveled to Colorado to enjoy mountainous train trips and after retiring they enjoyed taking their grandkids on vacations too. Over the years Roger and Petey also visited British Columbia, Florida, Canada and South Dakota. They especially loved the cottage they built up north at Big Star Lake where many wonderful summer days were spent. Roger absolutely loved grilling hamburgers and steaks on the grill and liked a good burger or fish dinner from his favorite place to eat, The Grand Villa Restaurant.

With a servant’s heart, Roger faithfully served as an usher at St. John’s and played on the church softball team. He was a longtime member there, but most recently attended Marne United Methodist Church. He loved old time gospel music, particularly Tennessee Ernie Ford and loved the sound of bagpipes, too. Roger’s deep love for anything to do with trains continued throughout his adulthood.

Roger felt truly blessed to have had such a wonderful wife for 58 years. Hard times followed after Petey’s death in 2008, but Roger’s faith saw him through. He became a well liked regular coffee club member at Mr. Burger and at Sandy’s Donuts. Life took a turn for Roger when he met a delightful lady named Lula Kaan. They were introduced by Lula’s daughter Lori at the New Beginnings Restaurant and in time Roger and Lula established a deep and lasting relationship. In one another they found much companionship and shared much. Sadly, at the age of 80, Roger began to experience failing health and died at home on Wednesday, May 26, 2010 with his loving family by his side.

In all he did, Roger taught and modeled honesty and integrity. He lived by the Golden Rule and never expected anyone to do something he himself wouldn’t be willing to do. A kind and gentle heart, he will be greatly missed.

Besides his wife Petey, Roger was preceded in death by his brother, Roy Van Dam and sister, Dorothy Clemens. He is survived by his children: Katherine and Thomas Muth, Judy Warncke, Roger and Tamara Van Dam; grandchildren: Brad, Patrick and Ginny Warncke, Chad, Cara and Collin Van Dam, Dorothy and Adrian Youmans, William Rosenberg; four great-grandchildren; sister, Marian Peterson of Glen Mills, PA and sister-in-law, June Geller. Also surviving is his very dear friend, Lula Kaan. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, May 29, 2010, 11:00 AM at Marne United Methodist Church, 14861 Washington St, Marne, 49435 with Rev. Pat Brooks officiating. Interment in Rosedale Memorial Park. Friends may meet his family on Friday from 2-4 and 6-9 PM at Heritage Life Story Funeral Home-Alt & Shawmut Hills Chapel, 2120 Lake Michigan Dr. NW. Contributions in his memory may be made to the church building fund. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com to leave a favorite memory or photo of Roger or to sign his online guest book.