Roger Howard Klahn

Roger Howard Klahn was born March 28, 1957 at Pennock Hospital to Carl John Klahn & Phylene Phyllis Klahn. He passed peacefully on April 27, 2025 at Sparrow Hospital at age 68 due to complications from Parkinson’s disease.

A lifelong Michigander, Roger was raised on a farm in Woodland township, just southwest of Lake Odessa with his two older sisters Shirley and Janice. He is a proud graduate of Lakewood High School’s class of 1975, and was incredibly proud of his lifelong friendships with many classmates, including Mark McCartney, Stacey “Bubbles” Bosworth, Dennis “Lefty” Frost, and many, many others.

Roger then went to Central Michigan University, where he received a Bachelor’s degree in radio broadcasting, with a minor in journalism. During his time at CMU Roger continued to develop lifelong friendships, including Rick Garlick and Russ Rogers. From here Roger began his career as a radio disc jockey, working for stations in the Mount Pleasant area, before relocating to Lansing Michigan.

Upon moving to Lansing, Roger met JoAnn Warner, a nurse, at the all-media blood drive. The two were engaged Christmas day that same year, and married in October of 1989. The Klahn family adopted Koreans Benjamin Marvin and Samuel Richard in February 1995 and December 1999, respectively.

Roger held several other professions after radio, including billing and collections for Sparrow Health System, substitute teaching in the Lansing School District, and assisting at a passport call center for Peckham Inc. in the mid-2010s Roger was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, and medically retired. Roger faced the challenges of declining health with vulnerability, courage, and grace. He often remarked to his family and friends that their encouraging support and his faith in Christ gave him poise and confidence throughout the turbulence that came with a body in decline.

Roger was known for creating parodies of popular songs, an eclectic taste in music, and a keen memory for sports trivia, especially the Detroit Tigers, and Michigan State University athletics. His hobbies included multiple daily phone conversations with friends and family, teaching Sunday School at Cedar Street Church, and attending sporting events. Roger held season tickets to Michigan State football for over a decade, and would cherish this time by bringing a different friend with him to each game.

Roger is preceded in death by his parents, Carl and Phylene Klahn. Roger is survived by his wife JoAnn Klahn, his sons Benjamin and Samuel, his sisters Shirley (Charles) Courtney and Janice (Libby) Jean, and numerous nieces, nephews, colleagues, and friends. The family would especially like to thank the numerous caregivers of Sparrow Hospital for their competence, compassion, and kindness.

Visitation will take place on Friday, May 2nd from 4 – 8 pm at Gorsline Runciman funeral home, 900 E Michigan Ave, Lansing MI 48912. A memorial will take place the next morning – May 3rd – at 10:00 am at Chapel Pointe Church, 1705 Cedar St, Holt MI 48910. In addition to flowers, the family encourages continued philanthropy to causes Roger held dear, including the Michael J Fox Foundation, Michigan State University’s marching band, and the International Mission Board.