“A man of few words”—that wasn’t Roger. Roger was a man of many words, and he spent them well—on air, in song, and in encouragement to everyone he met. His voice carried across West Michigan for decades, spending 37 years at Lanser Broadcasting, where he was “Roger Allen” in the studio and behind the microphone from the very earliest days. He loved the craft of radio—sharing stories, building community, and dreaming up ways to reach more listeners. He had no shortage of ideas, and no lack of drive to make them happen—pitching concepts, finding advertisers, and doing the hard work to keep programs alive. He became the voice of the Holland Christian Maroons, calling basketball and later football, after memorable seasons broadcasting Hope College basketball. His words connected people, and he truly proved that when you do what you love, it doesn’t need to feel like work.
Even after retiring from radio, Roger refused to sit idle. He earned his real estate license and joined Keller Williams – Lakeshore in 2014, going to the office nearly every day until the most recent circumstances no longer allow him to.
He was equally as passionate about sharing his Christian faith through music. He sang with the Holland Heights choir, led worship on the praise team, and was a member of the Calvary 4 Quartet, carrying gospel harmonies to churches across West Michigan and beyond. The quartet recorded and released multiple albums, turning Sunday songs into lasting soundtracks. Later came the Ah-men Quartet, another stage for his voice and his faith. Inspired by his love for the Holland community and lasting traditions, for years he looked forward to participating in the Holland Chorale, and the Evergreen Commons Tulip Time shows.
Most recently he also served as an elder at Holland Heights Church.
While radio, real estate and music were his passions, family was his greatest joy. He was a man of many words, but when with family he loved to listen and be witty. To the end of his days you could find him watching his grandchildren perform from the bleachers or auditorium seats – whether at a concert, competition, musical or play, never missing a chance to show how proud he was. He loved to vacation and adventure with them, cheering them on and teaching life lessons along the way.
A sports fanatic and a spectator of many games, Roger loved golf—not just the game, but the camaraderie. He cherished time on the course with friends and family, enjoying the fellowship as much as the fairways.
In 2021 Roger faced bladder cancer with courage, fought hard, and celebrated four fantastic years of remission.
Through it all, his faith never wavered. He lived with humility, worked with integrity, and loved without condition. He showed us that life is best lived by showing up, serving others, and sharing your gifts.
We will miss his voice, his heart, and his presence. We’ll remember his love for family, friends, country and above all, Jesus. We will honor him by living the way he did: with faith, with love, and with purpose. Roger: Dear, Dad, Grandpa, Great Grandpa and friend thank you for the words you spoke, the music you sang, the games you called, and the example you set. Your story continues—in us, through us, and because of the way you loved us.
Over and out, until we meet again. With love –
Marlene (Raak) Nyhuis, wife of 55 years. Children: Scott and Lisa (Lohr) Nyhius. Amy (Nyhuis) and Marcus Ziel. Grandchildren: Robert and Caitlyn Nyhuis, Madison Nyhuis and Bryce Colpaert, Becca Ziel and Drew Ziel. Great Granddaughter Nora Nyhuis.
Brother and Sister: Sherry (Nyhuis) and Mark Krouse; Robert Nyhuis
Mother-in-law: Pauline (Raak) Dyke
Bother and Sister in laws: Donna (Raak) Rouwhorst; Jim and Elaine Raak; Phyllis (Raak) and Jim VanderBilt.
Many nephews and nieces
A time to visit with the Family and a Celebration of Life Service will be held at Holland Heights Christian Reformed Church at 836 E 8th Street Holland, MI 49423 on Tuesday, December 23, 2025.
Time with the Family: 3pm-5pm or 6:15pm-8pm
Celebration of Life Service: 5:15pm
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Holland Heights Christian Reformed Church to be earmarked for the advancement of worship through music.
A private burial service will be held for the immediate family.
Arrangements are by Yntema Funeral Home, 251 South State Street, Zeeland, MI 49464.
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