Roger DeCook of Holland, Michigan, entered into eternal peace on July 2, 2026,
surrounded by family.
He is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Cherie; his two children, Aaron (Julie) and Alex
(Tayler Hill); his grandchildren, Alivia, Pepper, Abraham, and Noah. He also leaves behind his
sister, Arlene (Dick) Ruhala; brother-in-law, Paul Klomparens; and his sons of the heart whom
he loved as his own, Michael (Erin) Jackson and Shawn (Allison) Eddy. He was preceded in
death by his parents, Mildred and Willis; sister, Marilyn (Paul) Klomparens; and brother-in-law,
Dick Ruhala.
Roger graduated from Holland High with the Class of 1958. He honorably served on active duty
in the U.S. Air Force, Airman First Class from 1961 to 1964, where he was stationed in France.
After serving in the military, Roger attended the State Technical Institute and earned a
Certificate of Achievement in Product Drafting Technology. He studied mathematics, drafting,
physics and hydraulics, which prepared him for an engineering career in the automotive and
aerospace industries. He retired from Woodward in 2003, where he specialized in designing
parts for Pratt and Whitney engines.
Roger will be remembered as unfailingly kind and gentle with an affectionate way of joking
around, and he had many friends. He was a passionate U of M football fan. Taking pride in
craftsmanship, Roger was a skilled handyman who could fix anything. He was active in the
Masonic Order. He was an integral part of Grace Episcopal Church for decades through Vestry,
the Building and Grounds Committee, Altar Guild, installing and caring for the Resurrection
Garden, and assisting with office duties.
A funeral service will be held at Grace Episcopal Church in Holland, Michigan on Friday, July
10, 2026 at 1:00pm. Visitation will be before the service, beginning at noon. Reception will
follow the service.
In lieu of flowers, envelopes will be available for Shriners Hospitals and Marine Mammal Center
or donations can be made to any charity of your choice.
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