Rodger Sugarbaker

A man with a jovial and fun-loving spirit, Rodger Sugarbaker brought so much life wherever he went. He was proud to serve his country during a time of great need, yet there was nothing that made him more proud than his family that grew to include numerous branches on his family tree. Rodger was a man of great wisdom who loved spending time with his loved ones gathered around a roaring campfire, and it was such a special treat to share Sunday morning coffee with him, too. We will miss Rodgers playful nature, his words of wisdom, and his constant presence, but most of all we will miss his unending love. As the1930s were drawing to a close America was more than ready to welcome in a new decade as the Great Depression had covered our nation and much of the world for ten years. Although the unemployment rate was on the decline and the crippling drought that gripped our nations heartland had finally come to an end, there was little to celebrate as tensions were escalating overseas with the hostilities of WWII. Despite the circumstances around them, a bustling family from Muskegon, Michigan, was looking eagerly toward a joyous occasion within their own family as they were expecting a new baby as the winds of fall blew in. Their wait was over on October 7th of 1939 when their healthy baby boy was born. Rodger Dwayne was the youngest of four children born to his parents, Joseph and Clara (Knoll) Sugarbaker, and he was raised in the family home alongside his older brothers, Arnold, Joseph, Jr., and Donald. His father was a sheriffs deputy for Muskegon County while his mother was a busy homemaker. Sadly Rodgers mother had crippling arthritis, which left her only able to get around in a wheelchair by the time Rodger came along. For the most part Rodger experienced a childhood that was reflective of the times. He enjoyed hanging around with his brothers and friends, and together they could often be found riding their bikes or swimming in a nearby creek. Rodger attended a one-room schoolhouse on Sullivan Road just off Apple Avenue that was nearby their home. As he got older he continued his education through Ravenna schools and later earned his GED. In high school Rodger played football, and he was also active at the Reformed church on Apple Avenue along with his mother. As a young man Rodger served in the United States Army beginning in 1958. Most of his time was spent as a cook at Fort Knox, Kentucky. He was off duty every other weekend, which left him routinely hitchhiking home and then back again to report for duty. One time, however, Rodger ended up suffering a ruptured appendix on the way home, extending his leave time just a bit. After being discharged in November of 1960, Rodger returned to Muskegon where he became a machinist at Sealed Power, which later became SPX. He was a devoted worker who remained there for 32 years until he retired in 1995. For a time Rodger also worked part-time delivering car parts for Auto Value. New and exciting changes were in store for Rodger when he met the young girl who stole his heart while at the Highway Bar on Apple Avenue. Her name was Terrill Wilson, and the couple was smitten with each other right from the start. A dating relationship that spanned four years ensued, and the couple was married on October 18th. Together the couple was blessed with five children including Chuck, Kristy, Terri, Sean, and Laura. Eventually their active family settled in Twin Lake after a short time in Muskegon. As fathers go Rodger was second to none as he made it seem easy to balance his role as a firm disciplinarian when needed with offering unconditional love and acceptance. He demanded respect from his children, and they knew that he meant what he said yet he also knew how to make life so much fun, too. Rodger was helpful and humorous, caring and kindhearted, and although he could be strict he was always fair. He was an active part of his childrens lives and was always there for them in ways both great and small. Additionally, Rodger often volunteered for his childrens school activities. He wasnt always vocal about his love, but his children always knew how their father felt about them based on his actions. There was always room for fun in the Sugarbaker family. They enjoyed camping together both locally and a bit farther from home like the times they went to the Upper Peninsula. At first their camping adventures took place in a tent, but they later graduated to a pop up camper, which later grew to an even bigger pop up. There was also a memorable trip to Great America in Wisconsin. Weekends often included Rodgers famous homemade pancakes that were anything but ordinary, and the Fourth of July was often spent at Rodgers brothers cottage in Jugville. Life was certainly interesting when Rodger was around. It was quite a sight to see him chasing the family dog around the yard with his newspaper in hand in attempt to teach the dog his boundaries. There was also nothing like Rodgers duckie dive at the White River Campground pool. His family will forever treasure the memories of times gathered around the campfire when he would play and sing, and his taco hobo pies were something to remember as well. Later in life Rodger continued to cherish his loved ones. He was thrilled to become a grandfather, and he loved each one of his 13 grandchildren more than life itself. Rodgers grandchildren always loved it when their grandfather gave them rides behind the riding lawnmower. He also enjoyed special friendships with John Inman, Ed Schuiteman, Jerome Lawrence, and Jay Vanderlaan. Rodger Sugarbaker will be remembered as a sports enthusiast who loved watching the Tigers, Lions, and Cubs as well as a man who made fun wherever he went, but most of all he will be remembered as someone who deeply loved his family and friends. He was always there for others in whatever way he could be, and he never tired of generously giving to his loved ones. A true gift in the lives of many, Rodger will be deeply missed. Rodger Dwayne Sugarbaker died on Sunday, February 19, 2012. Rodgers family includes his wife of 36 years, Terrill; sons, Chuck (Deana) Sugarbaker, Sean (Norma) Sugarbaker; daughters, Kristy (Jeff) Stewart, Terri (Greg) Crane, Laura Sugarbaker; 13 grandchildren, 5 great-grandchildren; and dear friends, John & Arlene Inman. Rodger was preceded in death by his parents and 3 brothers. Services will be held on Friday, February 24, 2012, 3:00 p.m. at the Clock Chapel - Muskegon with Military Honors under the Auspices of the Muskegon County Council of Veterans. Interment at Twin Lake Cemetery. Visit with Rodgers family and friends on Wednesday, 6-8 p.m. and Thursday, 2-4 p.m. & 6-8 p.m. at Clock Life Story Funeral Home - Muskegon. Memorial donations may be made to American Heart Association. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com to leave a memory or sign the online guestbook.