Roger
Roger Marks
Roger L. Marks of Otsego, Michigan, passed away on July 20, 2014 at his home, surrounded by his family, after a courageous battle with cancer.
Roger was born on June 1, 1955 in Plainwell, Michigan to George “Skip” and Rosalie (Jones) Marks. He worked for many years at Preferred Plastics in Plainwell. He was a veteran of the U. S. Navy, having served onboard the USS Guam. Roger will be remembered for his great sense of humor and his ever present smile. His love of classic rock-n-roll music and Budweiser went hand in hand, and sharing his knowledge of rock music, along with a few beers, was his passion.
Roger is survived by his daughter, Trina Marie Marks, of Kalamazoo, granddaughters, Miah and Amara, his siblings, George Marks, of Kendall, Ronnie Marks, and Cindy McDonald (Kenny) of Otsego, the Pritchard family, Nancy, Cheryl, Renee, and Charlie, step-siblings, Angel Clark (Pat), Mike Walker (Tamera), Paul Walker, Wendy Walker, and Tammie Walker, grandmother, Lillian Jones of Otsego, aunts Marian Jones and Donna Jones-Wilson, his uncle Preston Marks (Barbara) of Chattanooga, Tennessee, best friends, Rick and Kelley DePauw, and many, many dear cousins, nieces, and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, and his nephews, Cory Stoughton and Mark Verploegh.
Roger’s family invites all of his friends and co-workers to a memorial service which will be held on Saturday, August 2, 2014 at 2:00pm at the VFW Post 3030 in Otsego, Michigan. After the memorial service, there will be a celebration of Roger’s life at his favorite place to party, Ronnie’s Mendocino Bar, 1795 Jefferson Road, Otsego, Michigan.
The family wishes that memorial contributions be directed to the same address to help out with funeral expenses.
Messages of condolence may be posted at
www.WinkelFuneralHome.com
Offer Condolence for the family of Roger Marks
Condolence Messages
Robin & Ken Davis
July 21, 2014 at 8:35 pm
Ronnie, George, Cindy & Trina~ So sorry for loss; we feel your pain…growing up with Roger was so much fun, he always made us laugh (even if he got in trouble for it) so you could count on him to make you smile~ so I know you are grieving now, but Please always remember him for his ability to make you Laugh, smile and be in a better place because of him, I know I am… we love you! RIP cousin Roger~
Reply
Joyce Hiemstra Hunt
July 21, 2014 at 9:35 pm
With heartfelt condolences, may your memories give you peace and comfort.
Reply
Pam Patenaude ( Campbell)
July 21, 2014 at 9:42 pm
It’s so very hard to write between the tears. Roger is at peace now, I just hope his siblings can be that way too. Ronnie and Cindy you both were there till the bitter end and no one could have asked for more. I sure hope and pray that I have that same kind of love and devotation when the time comes for me. Y’all were the best of the best. He will be truly missed by so many of us. I know you are proud to call him brother and friend, can’t get better that that. Hugs and prayers coming your way.
Reply
Winnie (Newton) Byron
July 22, 2014 at 12:29 am
My deepest condolences to all of you. Rosie and Skip are welcoming their boy home. I am sure my mom Alice and father Don are there as well. God Bless all of You!!
Reply
Tony Schuster
July 22, 2014 at 3:23 am
We all grew up together, went to school together, hung out together, partied together and there was never a dull moment. Just a few weeks ago when Roger Ronnie and I were sitting around the kitchen table reminiscing, Roger laughed and remembered my nickname for him back when we were much younger. “Dirty shirt” will always be the first thing I remember everytime I think of Roger. Just like it was for the last 50 years. 🙂
We would never have known all the great rock and roll and had a never ending supply of home made 8 track tapes if it wasn’t for Roger’s love of the best music back in the day. We laughed so hard so many nights hanging at Mendocino. The best of times just hanging out and having a few beers. My Karen and Roger could sit there at the bar for hours debating everything under the sun and I know she will miss and always remember those nights.
The older we get, the more of these times we have to endure. This one was way too soon and way to close.
RIP Roger and know that your family is close and your exceptional life and outlook on it will never be forgotten.
Reply
Amy Edwardson-Welch
July 22, 2014 at 8:19 am
So sorry for your loss…prayers to family and friends during this time.
Reply
Melissa Boss(Newton)
July 22, 2014 at 9:26 am
So sorry about your loss…your in my thoughts & prayers
Reply
Ronnie Marks
July 22, 2014 at 9:37 am
See ya on the other side, brother….rock on.
Reply
Chrstina Pathic
July 22, 2014 at 9:44 am
I have known Roger & Family for many many years I know he is in a better place! No suffering! But it isn’t fair Cancer Takes the best of them R.I.P Roger :'(
Reply
Steve & Sandy Cobb
July 22, 2014 at 9:48 am
We’ll miss you Roger. Steve has known you for a lot longer than I have but you always welcomed us both as friends and made us feel like part of your family. Your laughter, your smile and your many many stories will remain with us forever. Please keep the music playing and the beer flowing at the Mendo in Heaven until we can all see you again.
Love You!!!
Steve & Sandy Cobb
Reply
lynne Livingston
July 22, 2014 at 10:19 am
Dear Ronnie and family, I know this sounds cliché, but I seriously am SO sorry for your loss! Roger’s absence will leave a huge hole I am sure. I enjoyed getting to know you better Ronnie when you would come into the office. You both, you and Roger, have HUGE hearts especially when it comes to family and friends. I am just now realizing how big that circle is and how easily others are welcomed. Red Rover, Red Rover comes to mind! lol!
ANYWAY…. Be proud and at peace with how you all banded together to get Roger through this. Care Taking is not an easy role to fill. YOU DID IT WELL!!! See you soon. Gives me peace to know Roger is not hurting anymore.
Sincerely, Lynne (Bullock) Livingston.
Reply
Julie Sagas
July 22, 2014 at 10:36 am
Although I didn’t get a chance to meet this great man..I have the pleasure to know His daughter Trina. May HE rest in peace and may GOD give this family strength and peace to go forward in their journey and enjoy the GIFT of LIFE and dance! <3
Sincerely Julie Sagas
Reply
Doug Chamberlin
July 22, 2014 at 1:54 pm
First, to Ronnie, Cindy, George and Roger’s daughter, Trina Marie, all of my love and prayers go out to you and to your extended family.
Roger was the “little brother” that I met through George when George and I had a band during our years together at Otsego High School. I think I first met Roger when I spent the night at their place. Here we were, dedicated “hippies”/ musicians,listening instead to Marx Brothers records and laughing until we were in tears.
Roger impressed me so much with his quick wit and kindness along side this sort of outlaw/ no BS ” tough guy”; a genuine righteousness. He was always welcome at our band rehearsals and became a fixture in our circle at OHS, along side my younger brother Greg and Ken Haas’s younger brother, Jeff. Roger was the “glue”, that held us together; his humor rescuing us from little petty conflicts that crop up when you’re 16, in a band and know that you’re the most talented rock star on the planet or soon will be. Egos clashed but Roger could disarm these conflicts with his wit.
I have lived many years away from Otsego and Kalamazoo but I have never forgotten and will never forget Roger for his one in a billion charm and sense of humor and absolute love of life. Roger also loved his music and as a musician, I can’t imagine a more wonderful sort of human being. Roger was certainly that. Farewell my friend.
Reply
Cindy Marks McDonald
July 22, 2014 at 7:49 pm
I just miss you Roger.
that simple.
Reply
Sandra LoPresto
July 22, 2014 at 8:41 pm
Trina, so sorry to hear that you lost your dad. The loss of a parent is very hard. Please know that you and your family are in my prayers.
Reply
Cricket Cole
July 24, 2014 at 12:53 pm
If I didn’t already know Roger was a great guy, the people I do know who have left their messages here, and what they had to say, would have told me so.
I didn’t get down there often enough, but I’ll miss walking into the Mendicino and hearing “Cricket!” over the din…
Have a good journey, Roger – we’ll see you on the other side when we get there… and you can tell us all the stories.
Reply
Linda Venen- Cole
July 25, 2014 at 9:15 am
Ronnie, and family-
My prayers are with you at this time. I am so sorry for your loss.
Linda Venen- Cole Class of 75
Reply
Greg Chamberlin
July 29, 2014 at 9:15 pm
Too many years apart; too many years of friendship. I miss your smile, laugh, encyclopedic knowledge of music, generous heart, and smile. I love you, Roger.
Reply
trina marks
July 31, 2014 at 11:48 am
I love and miss you so much…im glad your not in pain anymore! I hope you started rounding up the angels for your memorial Saturday….RIP until we meet again Xoxo
Reply
Rick & Kelley DePauw
August 5, 2014 at 2:13 pm
To the entire Marks family,
From a very young age i have been blessed to be a close friend of your great family. We have been blessed to have many wonderful experiences with Roger and treasure them all. One thing we know for sure is the Marks family’s support for there loved ones is untouchable and the family bond is one of the strongest we have ever experienced. Trina, Ron, Cindy & George all we can say is God Bless this world for people like you!!! We are deeply sadden with loss of our great friend.
God Bless Roger,
All our Love,
Rick & Kelley
Reply
Kim Kanet
August 5, 2014 at 3:22 pm
I’ve looked at this page every day since it appeared… sitting and thinking of something profound to say about my friend Rog. All I can say is that I miss him so very much and wonder when my heart will start to mend.
Fly on Roger and go in peace.
Reply
George Marks
August 12, 2014 at 2:42 am
Happy trails to you, until we meet again.
Happy trails to you, keep smilin’ until then.
Who cares about the clouds when we’re together?
Just sing a song and bring the sunny weather.
Happy trails to you, ’till we meet again.
Some trails are happy ones,
Others are blue.
It’s the way you ride the trail that counts,
Here’s a happy one for you.
Happy trails to you, until we meet again.
Happy trails to you, keep smilin’ until then.
Who cares about the clouds when we’re together?
Just sing a song and bring the sunny weather.
Happy trails to you, ’till we meet again.
Love,
George
Reply
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Roger was born on June 1, 1955 in Plainwell, Michigan to George “Skip” and Rosalie (Jones) Marks. He worked for many years at Preferred Plastics in Plainwell. He was a veteran of the U. S. Navy, having served onboard the USS Guam. Roger will be remembered for his great sense of humor and his ever present smile. His love of classic rock-n-roll music and Budweiser went hand in hand, and sharing his knowledge of rock music, along with a few beers, was his passion.
Roger is survived by his daughter, Trina Marie Marks, of Kalamazoo, granddaughters, Miah and Amara, his siblings, George Marks, of Kendall, Ronnie Marks, and Cindy McDonald (Kenny) of Otsego, the Pritchard family, Nancy, Cheryl, Renee, and Charlie, step-siblings, Angel Clark (Pat), Mike Walker (Tamera), Paul Walker, Wendy Walker, and Tammie Walker, grandmother, Lillian Jones of Otsego, aunts Marian Jones and Donna Jones-Wilson, his uncle Preston Marks (Barbara) of Chattanooga, Tennessee, best friends, Rick and Kelley DePauw, and many, many dear cousins, nieces, and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, and his nephews, Cory Stoughton and Mark Verploegh.
Roger’s family invites all of his friends and co-workers to a memorial service which will be held on Saturday, August 2, 2014 at 2:00pm at the VFW Post 3030 in Otsego, Michigan. After the memorial service, there will be a celebration of Roger’s life at his favorite place to party, Ronnie’s Mendocino Bar, 1795 Jefferson Road, Otsego, Michigan.
The family wishes that memorial contributions be directed to the same address to help out with funeral expenses.
Messages of condolence may be posted at
www.WinkelFuneralHome.com
Offer Condolence for the family of Roger Marks
Condolence Messages
Robin & Ken Davis
July 21, 2014 at 8:35 pm
Ronnie, George, Cindy & Trina~ So sorry for loss; we feel your pain…growing up with Roger was so much fun, he always made us laugh (even if he got in trouble for it) so you could count on him to make you smile~ so I know you are grieving now, but Please always remember him for his ability to make you Laugh, smile and be in a better place because of him, I know I am… we love you! RIP cousin Roger~
Reply
Joyce Hiemstra Hunt
July 21, 2014 at 9:35 pm
With heartfelt condolences, may your memories give you peace and comfort.
Reply
Pam Patenaude ( Campbell)
July 21, 2014 at 9:42 pm
It’s so very hard to write between the tears. Roger is at peace now, I just hope his siblings can be that way too. Ronnie and Cindy you both were there till the bitter end and no one could have asked for more. I sure hope and pray that I have that same kind of love and devotation when the time comes for me. Y’all were the best of the best. He will be truly missed by so many of us. I know you are proud to call him brother and friend, can’t get better that that. Hugs and prayers coming your way.
Reply
Winnie (Newton) Byron
July 22, 2014 at 12:29 am
My deepest condolences to all of you. Rosie and Skip are welcoming their boy home. I am sure my mom Alice and father Don are there as well. God Bless all of You!!
Reply
Tony Schuster
July 22, 2014 at 3:23 am
We all grew up together, went to school together, hung out together, partied together and there was never a dull moment. Just a few weeks ago when Roger Ronnie and I were sitting around the kitchen table reminiscing, Roger laughed and remembered my nickname for him back when we were much younger. “Dirty shirt” will always be the first thing I remember everytime I think of Roger. Just like it was for the last 50 years. 🙂
We would never have known all the great rock and roll and had a never ending supply of home made 8 track tapes if it wasn’t for Roger’s love of the best music back in the day. We laughed so hard so many nights hanging at Mendocino. The best of times just hanging out and having a few beers. My Karen and Roger could sit there at the bar for hours debating everything under the sun and I know she will miss and always remember those nights.
The older we get, the more of these times we have to endure. This one was way too soon and way to close.
RIP Roger and know that your family is close and your exceptional life and outlook on it will never be forgotten.
Reply
Amy Edwardson-Welch
July 22, 2014 at 8:19 am
So sorry for your loss…prayers to family and friends during this time.
Reply
Melissa Boss(Newton)
July 22, 2014 at 9:26 am
So sorry about your loss…your in my thoughts & prayers
Reply
Ronnie Marks
July 22, 2014 at 9:37 am
See ya on the other side, brother….rock on.
Reply
Chrstina Pathic
July 22, 2014 at 9:44 am
I have known Roger & Family for many many years I know he is in a better place! No suffering! But it isn’t fair Cancer Takes the best of them R.I.P Roger :'(
Reply
Steve & Sandy Cobb
July 22, 2014 at 9:48 am
We’ll miss you Roger. Steve has known you for a lot longer than I have but you always welcomed us both as friends and made us feel like part of your family. Your laughter, your smile and your many many stories will remain with us forever. Please keep the music playing and the beer flowing at the Mendo in Heaven until we can all see you again.
Love You!!!
Steve & Sandy Cobb
Reply
lynne Livingston
July 22, 2014 at 10:19 am
Dear Ronnie and family, I know this sounds cliché, but I seriously am SO sorry for your loss! Roger’s absence will leave a huge hole I am sure. I enjoyed getting to know you better Ronnie when you would come into the office. You both, you and Roger, have HUGE hearts especially when it comes to family and friends. I am just now realizing how big that circle is and how easily others are welcomed. Red Rover, Red Rover comes to mind! lol!
ANYWAY…. Be proud and at peace with how you all banded together to get Roger through this. Care Taking is not an easy role to fill. YOU DID IT WELL!!! See you soon. Gives me peace to know Roger is not hurting anymore.
Sincerely, Lynne (Bullock) Livingston.
Reply
Julie Sagas
July 22, 2014 at 10:36 am
Although I didn’t get a chance to meet this great man..I have the pleasure to know His daughter Trina. May HE rest in peace and may GOD give this family strength and peace to go forward in their journey and enjoy the GIFT of LIFE and dance! <3
Sincerely Julie Sagas
Reply
Doug Chamberlin
July 22, 2014 at 1:54 pm
First, to Ronnie, Cindy, George and Roger’s daughter, Trina Marie, all of my love and prayers go out to you and to your extended family.
Roger was the “little brother” that I met through George when George and I had a band during our years together at Otsego High School. I think I first met Roger when I spent the night at their place. Here we were, dedicated “hippies”/ musicians,listening instead to Marx Brothers records and laughing until we were in tears.
Roger impressed me so much with his quick wit and kindness along side this sort of outlaw/ no BS ” tough guy”; a genuine righteousness. He was always welcome at our band rehearsals and became a fixture in our circle at OHS, along side my younger brother Greg and Ken Haas’s younger brother, Jeff. Roger was the “glue”, that held us together; his humor rescuing us from little petty conflicts that crop up when you’re 16, in a band and know that you’re the most talented rock star on the planet or soon will be. Egos clashed but Roger could disarm these conflicts with his wit.
I have lived many years away from Otsego and Kalamazoo but I have never forgotten and will never forget Roger for his one in a billion charm and sense of humor and absolute love of life. Roger also loved his music and as a musician, I can’t imagine a more wonderful sort of human being. Roger was certainly that. Farewell my friend.
Reply
Cindy Marks McDonald
July 22, 2014 at 7:49 pm
I just miss you Roger.
that simple.
Reply
Sandra LoPresto
July 22, 2014 at 8:41 pm
Trina, so sorry to hear that you lost your dad. The loss of a parent is very hard. Please know that you and your family are in my prayers.
Reply
Cricket Cole
July 24, 2014 at 12:53 pm
If I didn’t already know Roger was a great guy, the people I do know who have left their messages here, and what they had to say, would have told me so.
I didn’t get down there often enough, but I’ll miss walking into the Mendicino and hearing “Cricket!” over the din…
Have a good journey, Roger – we’ll see you on the other side when we get there… and you can tell us all the stories.
Reply
Linda Venen- Cole
July 25, 2014 at 9:15 am
Ronnie, and family-
My prayers are with you at this time. I am so sorry for your loss.
Linda Venen- Cole Class of 75
Reply
Greg Chamberlin
July 29, 2014 at 9:15 pm
Too many years apart; too many years of friendship. I miss your smile, laugh, encyclopedic knowledge of music, generous heart, and smile. I love you, Roger.
Reply
trina marks
July 31, 2014 at 11:48 am
I love and miss you so much…im glad your not in pain anymore! I hope you started rounding up the angels for your memorial Saturday….RIP until we meet again Xoxo
Reply
Rick & Kelley DePauw
August 5, 2014 at 2:13 pm
To the entire Marks family,
From a very young age i have been blessed to be a close friend of your great family. We have been blessed to have many wonderful experiences with Roger and treasure them all. One thing we know for sure is the Marks family’s support for there loved ones is untouchable and the family bond is one of the strongest we have ever experienced. Trina, Ron, Cindy & George all we can say is God Bless this world for people like you!!! We are deeply sadden with loss of our great friend.
God Bless Roger,
All our Love,
Rick & Kelley
Reply
Kim Kanet
August 5, 2014 at 3:22 pm
I’ve looked at this page every day since it appeared… sitting and thinking of something profound to say about my friend Rog. All I can say is that I miss him so very much and wonder when my heart will start to mend.
Fly on Roger and go in peace.
Reply
George Marks
August 12, 2014 at 2:42 am
Happy trails to you, until we meet again.
Happy trails to you, keep smilin’ until then.
Who cares about the clouds when we’re together?
Just sing a song and bring the sunny weather.
Happy trails to you, ’till we meet again.
Some trails are happy ones,
Others are blue.
It’s the way you ride the trail that counts,
Here’s a happy one for you.
Happy trails to you, until we meet again.
Happy trails to you, keep smilin’ until then.
Who cares about the clouds when we’re together?
Just sing a song and bring the sunny weather.
Happy trails to you, ’till we meet again.
Love,
George
Reply
Leave a Condolence
Cancel reply
Please share your message of condolence with the family, It will be visible to the public but your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked
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