Born May 11, 1985 in Daegu, South Korea, Alex enriched the lives of Ed and Libby Roberge 3 months later when he arrived in his adoptive home.
Over the next five years the family grew to include a brother, Vincent and a sister, Jacqueline. The three grew up sharing their love of swimming, keeping their parents off-balance and creating happy havoc in the house.
Alex attended U of D Jesuit High where he was a 4 year varsity swimmer. He was imbued with the school philosophy of educating “Men for Others”. Those words motivated his remaining life.
After obtaining his undergraduate degree from Western Michigan University in 2009 where he was actively involved with DELTA CHI Fraternity, he announced to family and friends that he was going to South Korea to teach English for a year. He taught English in elementary schools, taught children to swim, swam on an adult Masters team and then coached that team.
It was while swimming on the Masters team that he met his future wife, SoYoun Lee. In March 2016, they married. In the five years of their marriage, they laughed, traveled together, planned for the future and worked to make themselves better people. His “one year in Korea” turned into 10.
Unable to obtain a COVID vaccination in Korea he contracted COVID in July and despite heroic efforts by the medical community, entered eternal life on August 11, 2021 in Incheon, South Korea.
Alex thrived in the Korean culture, appreciating the food and familial values of the Korean people. He learned the nuances of the culture through the efforts of his dear wife, SoYoun and her family, his Korean “brother” Yong Kyun Kim and many other Korean friends and colleagues.
Alex taught English. He taught swimming to children. But his greatest gift was to teach others how to live life with generosity and joy.
Beyond those mentioned above, survivors include Roberge and Forsthoefel aunts, uncles and cousins all much loved.
There will be a memorial service for Alex at St. Valentine’s Church, 14841 Beech Daly, Redford Twp. Michigan on Saturday, September 25th at 10:30 am.
In honoring Alex, please continue to exercise safety, care and concern for self and family. In so doing, we respectfully invite all vaccinated family and friends to join us for the memorial service. Because of the ongoing COVID concern, we ask that masks be worn by those who attend. Alex would want all children to remain safe, we suggest that those under 12 remain home.
Memorials can be sent to either:
University of Detroit Jesuit High School
8400 S. Cambridge
Detroit, MI 48221
Or: Detroit Swims WMCA of Metropolitan Detroit
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.HarryjWillLivonia.com for the Roberge family.
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