Rodger Howard DeVoogd

Rodger Howard DeVoogd, aged 81, passed away on July 7, 2014 at the Poppen-Harbor Hospice House in Muskegon. He will be remembered as a very patriotic man having been born on July 4, 1933 in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He was preceded in death by his wife of over 59 years, Mary, in November of 2012. Surviving are sons Rodger Dennis (Chris) DeVoogd, Richard Douglas (Maria Jessette) DeVoogd and daughter, Meri Dyan (Matt) Smith. Also surviving are grandchildren Jesica (Jeff) Jewett, Jarod DeVoogd, AJ DeVoogd, Josh DeVoogd, Dana Smith; great-grandchildren Kylee and Katelyn Jewett as well as his sister Eileen (Bernie) Ottenjan. Rodger proudly served his country with the United States Navy enlisting in 1953. He reported to Great Lakes Naval Station for basic training before heading to San Diego for radio school. He was also stationed at the C.I.A. Headquarters in Washington D.C. as well as the office of Commander in Chief of the Atlantic Fleet in Norfolk, VA. He was honorably discharged in 1961. Rodger was proud of his own education and the education of others. He spent 33 years with Ravenna Public Schools in many capacities including bus driver, drivers training instructor, teacher, guidance counselor and principal. He was past president of Region 13 MEA, as well as president of the Village of Ravenna, a proud member of the American Legion, Honorary Deputy of the Muskegon County Sheriff’s Department, and had served as secretary, treasurer, and president of the Lions Club in Ravenna. Please join for a memorial service in celebration of his life at 11am on Monday, July 14, 2014 at Reyers North Valley Chapel with Pastor Chuck Van Lente officiating. Visitation will begin one hour prior at 10am. In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial contribution in memory of Rodger to Harbor Hospice, 1050 W. Western Ave., Suite 400, Muskegon, MI, 49441 or to The Gillette Nature Association, P. J. Hoffmaster State Park, 6585 Lake Harbor Rd., Muskegon, MI, 49441.