Obituary of Richard Thomas Roggelin

Richard Thomas Roggelin was born in Monroe, Michigan on November 11, 1936. He was the son of the late George Roggelin and the late Mary (Hoffman) Miller. Richard was raised by his mother and stepfather: Orville Miller. Richard attended Custer Elementary School and was a 1954 graduate of Northwestern High School in Detroit. In 1958, Richard moved to California. He married the former Rita Marie Hargrave and from this union would come the birth of three children. For thirty-two years, Richard supported his family as a Parts Manager for Cummins Engine in Los Angeles, California retiring in 2002. Richard loved to travel. He would often spend six to eight weeks on long distance road trips. He often frequented Las Vegas casinos. Richard had taken many cruises over the years and visited Florida often. On April 27, 2004, Richard would marry Elizabeth “Betty” (Shannon) Surber. Richard loved to watch golf and other sports on television. He was known for quiet and calm personality. He was always fun to be around and never passed judgement on others. Richard truly appreciated the companionship of his feline friends. Richard Thomas Roggelin, age 79 of Monroe passed away at 6:02pm on Wednesday, September 7, 2016 at Promedica Monroe Regional Hospital. In addition to his parents, his passing was preceded by his brother: George; and his former spouse: Rita Marie. To cherish his memory Richard leaves behind his wife: Elizabeth (Betty) Surber-Roggelin of Monroe; two sons: Michael Joseph Roggelin of San Diego, California and Scott David (Reiko) Roggelin of Surprise, Arizona; one daughter: Kelly Marie(Mike) Cuevas of Midlothian, Texas; one stepson: Robert (Kim) Surber of Monroe; two step daughters: Debra (Larry) Maga of Livonia, Michigan and Mary (Larry) Corum of Alpena, Michigan; five grandchildren: Joseph Roggelin, Erika Roggelin, Nicole Cuevas, Jessica Cuevas, and Lianna Cuevas; two step grandchildren: Jason(Jessica) Corum and Michelle (Steven) Rosario; two step great grandchildren: Natalie and Maylie Rosario; two sisters: Judy and Janice; and beloved feline friends: Whiskers and Wizard. Friends may gather on Saturday, September 10, 2016 from 2:00pm until 6:00pm at Merkle Funeral Service; South Monroe, 14567 South Dixie Highway. A Celebration of His Life will follow at 6:00pm also at Merkle’s with Reverend BJ McDaniel pastor of Frenchtown Missionary Baptist officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Monroe County Humane Society. Online guests may leave words of comfort and inspiration or share a photo by visiting www.merklefs.com; and then selecting, Online Tributes page.