Roger Ray Delong

Roger R. DeLong passed away on Monday, Dec. 13, 2021, in St. Joseph, surrounded by his loving wife, Teri, and his children.

He was born March 9, 1962 in St. Joseph. Roger grew up in Eau Claire, Lansing and Berrien Springs. He ultimately made Southwest Michigan his home with Teri where he has been a fixture in the Niles and Berrien Springs communities for decades. Roger was known for his kindness, his helpful nature, and for his love of life. If Roger was your friend, you didn’t just know it, you felt it. If you needed something, he helped.

Roger was a self-made man. He knew himself well and what he was good at and created a career in which he could excel. And he did.

His early career led him to meet his wife, Teri, and her children, Rob and Chrissie. Roger and Teri (Herrington) were married Oct. 13, 1990. They became a family and created a home together. Rob is now married to Sarah, and Chrissie is the mother of three great boys that were Roger’s joy. Roger loved his family, his home, anything with wheels and his dog Spanky. He shared a deep and abiding faith in Jesus and God.

He grew to be known in his field for his knowledge and solutions through his work with Pro-Temp and Stafford-Smith where he was a member of Local 172 of the Plumbers and Pipefitters.

He was a go-to person for the most difficult problems. He perfected knowledge and intuition that went beyond what others in his field could envision. He found a home as Technical Specialist at Johnstone Supply and ended his career in service to his regional customers there.

Roger was a courageous fighter who overcame heart disease and was blessed to receive a successful kidney transplant that made his life even more special.

Roger is survived by Teri, his wife of 31 years; son, Rob (Sarah) Vreden; daughter, Chrissie Vreden; brothers, Eric (Sharai) DeLong and Douglas DeLong; grandchildren: Ethan, Gavin and Liam; multiple loving nieces and nephews for whom he was the cool uncle; several grand-nieces and nephews; and a legion of friends who are like family.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Ursula DeLong; brother, Gordon DeLong; and sister, Roberta (DeLong) Belen.

Memorials may be made in Roger’s name to your local community school football or other sports program.

Visitation will be 2 to 5 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 19, at Allred Funeral Home, 212 South Main Street, Berrien Springs.

Services will be at 11 a.m. Monday, Dec. 20, at Allred Funeral Home. Messages can be left at www.allredfuneralhome.com.