Roger graduated from Prospect High School, then when on to serve in the United States Air Force during the Vietnam War.
He married the former Kathleen Louise Laurie on June 4, 1966.
He worked as an auto mechanic, a service writer, and as a gifted handyman, had many small jobs that kept him busy.
Roger is survived by his beloved wife, Kathleen Gruen; children, Tammy Mary Gruen, Robert Raymond Gruen and Leslie Ann Gruen; grandchildren, Noah Lenkeit and Allison Lenkeit; and his sister, Wendy Jean Gruen.
A Visitation gathering will be held on Friday, September 11, 2026, from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm at Robert Toale & Sons Funeral Home at Palms Memorial Park, 170 Honore Ave., Sarasota, FL 34232.
The Funeral Mass will follow at 12:30 pm at Incarnation Catholic Church, 2901 Bee Ridge Rd., Sarasota, FL 34239, with the Committal Service with Military Honors at 2:30 pm at Sarasota National Cemetery, 9810 State Rd. 72, Sarasota, FL 34241.
