Roger Jay Brower

Roger unexpectedly left this Earth to join his savior on the afternoon of Saturday, April 2, at his home where he shared memories for many years with his wife, children, grand and great grandchildren, and innumerable friends and loved ones.

Originally from Hudsonville, MI, Roger was a warm hearted, jovial, and often downright goofy man, who loved his wife Lauri dearly until, and after, her heavenly departure in January of 2019. He is blessed to be reunited with her in the kingdom of Heaven. Roger was an Air Force veteran, where he served as Air Police in White Sands, as well as in Iceland, where he spoke of enjoying the landscape and the Northern Lights. He worked many years until his retirement from Country Fresh, where he delighted his children and grandchildren with bringing home many a frozen treat. Roger enjoyed taking his grandchildren for tractor rides, to the Frederick Meijer Gardens, and to Robinette’s Apple Orchard for donuts and cider in the fall. A handyman, Roger was often found in his basement workshop, fashioning toys and other wooden items, as well as the many birdhouses that dotted his backyard sanctuary. He deeply enjoyed gardening, growing delicious produce that made other family gardeners yearn for his secrets to success.

Roger is preceded in death by his parents, Sarah and Peter Brower, his wife Lauri, sister and brother-in-law, and several siblings. He is survived by his siblings Jerry and Joy Brower, Joan and Jerry Gibson, his children Steven, David, Douglas, and Janice, nieces and nephews, many grandchildren, and several great grandchildren. Roger was a social guy, and so leaves behind many special friends.

During his life, Roger was very connected to his church family at New Community Church, participating in the men’s group and bible studies. He attended dutifully, and when he chose to move out of his home and into a retirement community his top priority was to stay close to his church.

Roger also leaves behind his friends and community at the Village of Heather Hills, where he had just settled in to begin a new chapter that he was greatly looking forward to. 

Roger will be deeply missed. A gathering for fellowship and a celebration of Roger’s life will be held on Saturday, April 23 at 11 AM at New Community Church, 2340 Dean Lake Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI. A luncheon and social hour will follow the service. 

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