Roger E. Wilkinson

He was predeceased by Laura, his wife of more than sixty-five years, and his siblings Lynn Wilkinson, Vonnie Bunt and Sally Hamilton. He is survived by his sons, Kirk (wife Sue) and Craig (wife Kathy); grandchildren, Nicole, Gabrielle, and Kyle (wife Sarah); and great granddaughter, Eloise; his brother, Randy; and many nieces and nephews.

Roger was born July 21, 1934 in Lansing, Michigan to Leonard and Dorothy Wilkinson. In 1952, he graduated from Lansing Sexton (because he would not transfer to Eastern after his parents moved across town), where he participated in musical performances and the yearbook staff. He met Laura at Michigan State, and they were married at First Presbyterian Church of Lansing on September 8, 1957. They raised their family in Okemos, Michigan where they resided for more than 50 years. Roger lived at Red Cedar Lodge in Lansing at the time of his passing.

Roger earned his BA in accounting from Michigan State in 1957. He practiced public accounting in Lansing for two years, before he was hired by MSU and became a positive force for the Spartan community for decades. After his early business office and internal audit jobs, he became Financial Vice President and Treasurer of the university in 1968. He served eight MSU presidents, and was proud of his team’s work supporting the growth of MSU throughout his tenure, including the Wharton Center and Breslin Center projects. Roger and Laura’s Spartan athletics adventure included their cross-country student train trip to the 1956 Rose Bowl, decades of season football and basketball tickets, many family and office tailgates, and plenty of bowl games and Final Fours. Through it all, Roger always believed it was a “great honor” to serve the faculty and students of MSU.

Roger was also an active member of First Presbyterian Church for more than sixty-five years. He was always present, attending, serving in church governance, helping other members in time of need, and making First Presbyterian a place where families felt welcome and supported in their faith. Roger’s numerous community activities also included serving as a member of local hospital boards and as a Trustee of the Forest Akers Trust.

Roger and Laura’s life was blessed with many special moments with family and friends that reached from the MSU campus, to Michigan lakes, Wisconsin, the California coast and travel throughout the US and abroad. We are grateful that Roger touched so many lives everywhere he went.

We will celebrate his wonderfully blessed life on July 11, 2026, at First Presbyterian Church, 510 West Ottawa, Lansing, Michigan. Visitation will start at 10:00 am and the service at 11:00 am.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to the First Presbyterian Church Endowment Fund or the Laura and Roger Wilkinson Scholarship Fund at Michigan State University.