Dear Patty, Ann, and Bill, 

The Hussian family of Mn, Texas And Co. extend our heartfelt sympathy to each of you on the loss of your brother and our cousin. 
Fond memories of  family gatherings at Papa and Dorothy's on Lake Michigan.  
With Warm regards, Mary H Hussian-Clark

Roger was a good man. He never put negative in the universe, only positive. Treated people like he wanted to be treated. Whatever happens in the afterlife Roger will be where all good people are.

Roger and I did some road trips together, when we were younger.  To Florida, in my 1969 GTO, and to the Indy 500 in that same car, where we camped out in someones front yard, by the track.  I really wish I had known about his interest in racing karts sooner.  We reconnected on Facebook, after many years.  Roger had a great personality, was really a funny guy, and always fun to be around.

Roger and I met in and we knew each other when we both lived in Downtown Rochester. In 1980 I met Roger when he was working at the original "Mr. B's" bar on Main Street. He worked there evenings as a grill cook, where those who had seats in front of him could watch him grill the best burgers in town wearing a cowboy hat all the while entertaining a crowd in the way only Roger could.
 Roger and I took a trip across the USA together in our 20's, that was the type of adventure that those of our means could only ever have dreamed about going on, maybe only in one's retirement. We left Michigan on a snowy January day in 1982 with a few pair of jeans, T-shirts, a boom box and a pup tent, all squeezed into Rog's tiny 1980 Plymouth Champ. We commenced to spend the next 15 weeks and 15,000 miles traveling up and down the coast of California in such favorite cities as Carmel, Monterrey, Big Sur, San Francisco and the Napa Valley, alternating between camping on the beach and staying in 5 Star hotels. We enjoyed Las Vegas, Carlsbad Caverns in NM, and several Arizona cities, with no itinerary and with no reason to rush. The highlight of the trip was hiking for 3 days and 2 nights down into the Grand Canyon on trails that tourists rarely used. It was as close to God as I've ever felt. Our next stops took us to Buloxi, New Orleans and all along both coasts of Florida before heading home in the middle of May, back to reality, earning a living and staying in one place. After some time, life and it's twists and turns had it's way with us, and we drifted apart, only making phone contact a couple of times over all of these years until I learned of Roger's illness, just this last July. I'm blessed to have been able to have met with him twice since then, filling in the blanks of our lives over the years, pouring over photos of our trip, reminiscing, making mutual long overdue amends and sharing hugs and tears.
 I know that where Roger is now, he is watching over his friends and family. He is free of disease and free of pain. He can move without any restrictions, like a young man, without any aches or pains. Where he is now there is laughter and joy. He's been reunited with his loved ones who have passed, including his dogs. Where he is now, no renovations were necessary. It was in "move-in" condition.

Roger was a wonderful childhood friend, eager to explore, quick with a joke or a story. We lost contact with each other after I moved from Kalamazoo, but when we reconnected last fall, it was if the 45 years gap only served to provide new stories for him to tell. The same wit, enthusiasm, and warm heart that made him a good friend gently spanned the lost years. What was new was a mature comprehension of what was truly important in life, and a level of calm courage to live that way. May God rest your soul good friend, you have earned it.

So sorry for your loss.  62 seems so young these days!  Condolences to the family especially our friends Ann and Petey!  

Bob and Paula Fitzgerald

Roger, it was always so cool to see you at the track, raring to go with that shifter of yours.  You poured all of your enthusiasm into racing and being a the track with that booming voice of yours telling one great tale after another.  I always got such a chuckle from listening to you at Grattan and Mid Ohio.  I will NEVER forget going to the grid to see your class start and you needed a hand.  You were at the drivers meeting and I was at your karting, waiting to get you going, when I looked down and found one lug nut on the ground.  I noticed one missing from your rim... I checked your other two, and they were just thumb tight.  I showed you when you came back from your meeting and you were so thankful that I appeared for that race.  I'll never forget thinking that I helped save you from a wreck.  I was hopeful to see you at Grattan this year and you will be sorely missed.  Bench race with me when I make that trip, OK?

I have known Roger for many years. He started as a handyman but quickly became a friend. He told great stories in that booming voice with a twinkle in his eye. He always made me laugh. I will forever remember those conversations, your stories, laughter and friendship, Roger. Karen, I can only imagine the big hole in your life now. I think about you daily and you're in my thoughts and prayers. I'm so glad you were by Roger's side for all these years, and especially during his last battle.  Roger, you will be missed by so many people, and I'm one of them. May you rest in peace.

We remember his booming voice, and unbridled enthusiasm, as we reflect back on all the Go Kart Racing stories.  Told as only Roger could, he always had a humorous tale to tell everyone about his trip to the track with a buddy, be it a wrong turn they took, or the great distance traveled.  A dedicated supporter of Michigan Kart Club, he served in several official positions, having ever fresh ideas, be they controversial or not.  We'll miss the big guy and his dedication to the sport.  Race on, Roger, you'll be missed.

Roger was a big man with a big laugh and a big heart who fast became a friend and one of my favorite people. He was great to talk to but more importantly he was a great listener. When he became ill he fought it bravely and was not only a friend, favorite person and great listener but a hero. I was privileged to be one of his drivers to doctors appointments at the DMC. I treasure those special moments I was able to spend with him at the hospital, grocery shopping or being downtown Detroit just cruising in the car and letting him take a last look around.
You were loved Rog, May you rest in peace. Love, Di

I will miss Roger very much. I always sort of enjoyed my need for minor household repairs because of the great conversations we would have after he fixed my problem.

OBITUARY

Roger C. Reetz

July 24, 1954 – September 17, 2016

Kaul Funeral Home

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