Roger Harold Wotring

Roger Harold Wotring was born Wednesday, January 12, 1944, in Herrick Hospital, Tecumseh, Michigan. He died Monday, December 26, 2016, in Lakeland Medical Center, Saint Joseph, Michigan. Roger was the beloved, middle child of Erma Ruth Burke Wotring and Harold Glennis Wotring. Family who also preceded him in death were older brother Glennis Wotring, who lived in Toledo, Ohio, and younger brother Ronald Wotring of Cleveland, Tennessee. Their wives Linda and Brenda survive. Sisters survive: Patricia (Henry) Kuhlman of Collegedale, Tennessee; 16-months-older-than-he and his childhood buddy, Carol (Duane) Fancher of Ukiah, California; Marjorie Wotring of Saint Joseph, Michigan; and Susan Martin of Niles, Michigan. Sisters cared for Roger in the final 2 ½ years of his life, especially kind, capable Marjorie, with whom he lived.

In November 1969, Roger married true helpmeet Anna Bannister in Adrian, Michigan. Together they built a fine marriage, buildings, and businesses, in both Michigan and Florida. Ann was a wonderful partner and companion. Roger loved to hunt. And when he was ready for a trek, Ann would say, "Here’s some money Roger. Go have fun!" For the asking, friends may take home a taxidermy deer or caribou. He brought back a black bear too. Ann preceded Roger in death. Roger also married Sharon Oles. He loved her bubbly personality. And her Choplet casserole.

Roger’s children were his dogs. A dog of his youth was Joyce, a springer spaniel, a beagle of his youth, a trusty sidekick. Roger also loved hounds. Roger loved Irish setters. And their feathering. "Baby" Harry Harold the Earl of Burkedom survives. Roger himself was as loyal and trusty as his pets, to a fault... In time, a headstone with a dog theme will be placed in Rose Hill Cemetery.

In addition to his beloved "kids", Roger had a large extended family. He will be sadly missed by the ones who survive of 35 cousins and of his 27 nieces and nephews — Kim, Laurie, Karen, Rob, Sandy, Brad, Debbie, Teresa; and Steven, Jeffrey, Kristin, Connie, Jodi, Keely, Marla, Jon Willie; and Julie, Keefer, Jen; also Angela, Melissa, Ronald; and Kelly, Teri, Justin, Nolan, Zoey.

Roger just loved Christmas, and he was enjoying this Christmas season like none other in many a year. Elvis Christian songs warmed his heart. Roger searched out the addresses of many of his former close Grand Ledge Academy classmates, and he sent them Christmas cards. One of those good friends, Tom (Gwen) Chapman of Plainwell visited him Friday evening, the day of his hospital admittance. Another, Jerry Saunders in Wisconsin, called Friday to give him Christmas greetings. Also Roger was savoring the thoughts of a sister’s really tasty fruitcakes. It is so ironic that it is at this season that he had his fatal accident. Roger died from aspirating home-canned peaches, which is also ironic, because he just loved fruit. Vegetables too. He was a country boy at heart. Roger would be happy if his death were not in vain — a radiologist niece incidentally said that most people who choke while eating are also walking. May we all be ever vigilant.

An important part of Roger’s recent life has been to attend classes in Dowagiac through Borgess Medical Center. At "Senior Life Solutions," where he endeared himself to many, Roger’s support will be especially missed. And Roger would thank you Missy, Debbie, Kathryn, Lou.

Allred Funeral Home, Berrien Springs, will provide services for Roger on Friday, January 6, 2017. There will be a visitation at 1 p.m., with a funeral following at 2 p.m. Online messages may be left for his family at www.allredfuneralhome.com.

In lieu of flowers, Roger was fond of "no kill" Humane Society of Southwest Michigan, 641 South Crystal Avenue, Benton Harbor, MI 49022. Also Grand Ledge Academy friends have suggested a gravestone fund. You may contact Zelda Christensen. Thank you friends and family.

Rest in Peace, Roger. May God Bless You.

Visitation:
Allred Funeral Home
212 South Main Street, Berrien Springs, MI 49103

Funeral:
Allred Funeral Home
212 South Main Street, Berrien Springs, MI 49103