Gerald Oren Roark

ROARK, GERALD OREN, age 71 of Cascade, went peacefully to be with the Lord Tuesday, January 20, 2015. He is preceded in death by his parents, Allison and Izetta Roark; brother, Conrad; father-in-law, George Kroeger; brother-in-law, Fred Roslanic. He is survived by his loving wife of 34 years, Deborah; children, Julia (Robert) Bonhomme, Jodie (Todd) Broskey, Jeffrey (Janet) Roark, Jeremy (Isabella) Roark, Phillip (Kristina) Pittman, Heidi (Joseph) Seitz; brothers, Bruce (Jane) Roark, Blair Roark; sisters, Joan (Terry) Thomas, Maureen Roslanic; mother-in-law, Joyce Kroeger; brother-in-law, Karl (Donna) Kroeger; sisters-in-law, Marcia (Jim) Brougher, Cynthina (Donald) Block, Marcia (Michael) DeVree; 15 grandchildren; one great granddaughter; also many nieces and nephews. Gerald worked full time as a building inspector and volunteer firefighter for Cascade and Ada Townships, consecutively. In his spare time he was to the community a home builder, metal worker, deacon, and car maker. To the family he was a provider, a sports fan, “Mr. Fix It” – “Mr. Safety”, toymaker, mentor, teacher, role model and hero. The family will meet with friends and relatives Saturday, January 24, 2-5:00 p.m. at O’Brien-Eggebeen-Gerst Chapel, 3980 Cascade Rd. S.E., Grand Rapids. A private memorial will be held at a later date. Interment Findlay Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Alzheimer’s Association, Greater Michigan Chapter, West Michigan Region, 2944 Fuller Ave. NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49505.