Roger Allen Spencer

Roger Allen Spencer, 73, of Petoskey Michigan was greeted by God with a high five and a well-done on February 17, 2021. Roger was born in Grand Rapids, Michigan, October 4, 1947, to Ralph and Ann Spencer.

Roger grew up in Grandville, Michigan right around the corner from his dear wife, Barbara Vander Werf. He married the love of his life on April 1, 1969, frequently joking about not being an April Fool. Together they had three children and spent 51 years side by side.

Roger served in the army during the Vietnam War, 1967 to 1969. He knew that his life was saved because Sargent Brooks took a bullet for him. He said it always reminded him of what Jesus did for him dying on the cross in his place.

Roger Spencer spent his life in serving His Lord.  He dedicated his life to ministry. He was a pastor and a children missionary worker.  He worked with RBM ministries for more than 30 years.  He was affectionately known as “Uncle Roger.” He would tell Bible stories and use puppets to share the Gospel with kids of all ages.

He enjoyed hunting, or at least sitting in his blind watching the deer walk by.  He was an optimistic Spartans and Lions fan. He enjoyed kayaking and bike riding, but most of all he enjoyed taking his family out for ice cream.

Roger had a sincere love for his family, friends, neighbors and community. He was a man of deep faith. Those that knew him enjoyed his quick wit and his warm friendly smile. Roger is survived by his wife, Barbara Spencer, his children Jeff (Stephanie) Spencer, Julie, Rebecca (Jim) Chambers; and grandchildren Tyler (Carissa), Taelia, Noa, and Finnley, and niece, Elsa Doornbos, who was like a daughter to him. He is also survived by his sister June Cross and Sandy Doornbos. He was preceded in death by his brother Bill and his parents.

For those wishing to make a charitable donation in Roger’s memory, the family suggests RBM Ministries (P.O. Box 128, Plainwell, MI 49080).

Visitation will be at the Walloon Lake Community Church on Sunday, February 21, from 4-7 pm and again on Monday, February 22, from 10-11 am.  Funeral services celebrating Roger’s life will be held on Monday immediately following the visitation at 11am.   

Per state requirements and at the family request, masks MUST be worn and social distancing observed.

Stone Funeral Home is caring for his arrangements.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Roger Allen Spencer, please visit our floral store.