Just before sunrise on July 4, Roger Steigenga of Zeeland, Michigan declared his independence from earthly restraints and entered his heavenly Father’s freedom with a fully restored body and mind.
Roger Wayne Steigenga was born at home in Borculo to James and Jeanette on October 29, 1940. As a grade schooler, Roger attended the local District 5 Schoolhouse where his love of learning and adventure were ignited by teacher Mildred Plasman who inspired her students with Friday slide shows of American National Parks. Rog entered Holland Christian High School where he met his future wife, Marcia Seinen, when she was seated alphabetically next to him in study hall. Further developing that love of learning, Roger received his undergraduate degree in Elementary Education from Calvin College and his master’s degree from Michigan State University. Roger and Marcia were married at Zeeland’s First Christian Reformed Church in August 1962 where they were lifelong active members.
The seeds of education that were planted early in Roger continued to flourish throughout his lifework. He taught for a total of thirty-seven years at Christian schools in Indiana and Michigan as well as the bulk of his career as a sixth-grade teacher for Zeeland Public Schools. Known for his humor and stories, Mr. Steigenga impacted students in memorable ways including comically ripping off his toupee to illustrate how students made him “pull his hair out” and annually tap dancing on his desk to celebrate the end of the school year. Although Mr. Steigenga could be hilarious, he was also deeply compassionate. Empathy marked his classroom where all types of learners were enfolded. At the students’ request, he was regularly invited on special education field trips. Decades after his retirement, Mr. Steigenga was approached by former students in local restaurants and stores who thanked him for his impact and encouragement when they were young. The echoing influence of Rog’s teaching is carried on through his daughter and grandson who also became educators.
Outside the classroom, Roger enjoyed many hobbies including traveling and tinkering at his pole barn in Borculo which was built on his parents’ farmland. Rog always enjoyed a road trip, a wanderlust that began in those early Borculo schooldays. Roger and Marcia visited all fifty states, including regular summer outings to beloved state parks throughout Michigan. Their travels also included visits to twelve foreign countries. In addition, they spent twenty-two winter seasons in Bradenton, Florida where they enjoyed their condo and church communities. While Rog loved to wander, one of his deepest pleasures was local time at his barn fixing machinery, driving his John Deere tractor, and enjoying nature.
Roger thoroughly enjoyed his barn, but his greatest delight was spending time with his family in Arizona, Florida, and Michigan. He was an encouraging, funny, and wise father and an even better grandpa who humbly modeled his faith in Jesus Christ.
Rog was preceded in death by his parents, Jim and Jeanette Steigenga, sister Jane Bickert, sister-in-law Viv Steigenga, and brother Ray. Rog is survived by his “beloved bride” of nearly sixty-four years, Marcia; his children, Matthew (Marybeth) Steigenga and Rachel (Mark) Westra; siblings: Joyce Steigenga, Dave (Rose) Bickert, Norm (Cindy) Steigenga; grandchildren: Andrew, Daniel, and Elisabeth Steigenga, Sam and Eli Westra, and many beloved nieces and nephews.
A funeral service will be held at Yntema Funeral Home in Zeeland at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, July 9. Relatives and friends may visit with the family at Yntema Funeral Home from 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, July 8. Those who wish may make memorial contributions to Holland Christian, Hospice of Holland, or South Christian High School.
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