Roger D. Kleis, age 91, of Holland, passed away on Wednesday, May 22, 2024.
He is now at home in Heaven with his Lord and Savior. He was born in Holland, Michigan, son of Isaac and Cornelia Kleis. He grew up attending Pillar Church and as an adult was an active member of Trinity Reformed Church. He served consistently as an elder and his faith was lived out in both his personal and work life. As a boy, he delivered newspapers to area residents during the early morning hours and in 1949 was awarded “Outstanding Newspaper Carrier Award”. He was a 1951 graduate of Holland Christian and after working a year, he attended Calvin College, graduating in 1956.
Roger married the love of his life, Marjorie Van Ry, in 1956 and would have been married 68 years this upcoming July. He initially worked and resided in Grand Rapids working for the A & P grocery store, later being transferred to Holland. He later worked in the warehouse of the Marvin Albers Company and because of his integrity and work ethic, he later became co-owner of the company with his close and good friend, Bill Zonnebelt.
He was very mission minded. Roger took a 2 year leave from Marvin Albers to serve with his wife and two girls at Wedgewood Acres in Wyoming. He invested in the lives of many boys who grew to love and respect him.
After Wedgewood, he returned to the Marvin Albers company. The business was sold when he was 55 years old to Nichols but he continued working for them until his retirement.
He and his wife, Marjorie, enjoyed traveling in their motor home, camping and antiquing. He loved and served those around him selflessly and humbly. He suffered the last years of his life with Alzheimer’s but his wife lovingly cared for him in their home until the last 2 ½ weeks of his life. He passed away at Resthaven where the staff and Hospice cared for him in such a gentle way. Earlier in his life he served on the board of Resthaven for 2 terms and was a member of the Kiwanis club.
He is survived by his wife, Marjorie, of 67 years; daughter, Nancy and her husband Ron Richey of Houston, TX; daughter, Sally and her husband Gregg Harper of Holland. He had 4 grandchildren that loved him so: David Richey, Emily Herwaldt, Kristin Filkins and Katie Wagner along with their spouses; sister, Charlotte (Dale) Van Haitsma; sister in-law, Margaret Kleis, as well as, 11 great-grandchildren.
His niece recently wrote to the family: “With great sadness we think about losing the last Kleis brother. He was a man of faith, friendliness and frolic. We all enjoyed his rich smile and great stories. He will forever be missed.”
The family will receive visitors on May 29, from 10:00am to 11:00am, at Trinity Reformed Church, 712 Apple Avenue, Holland. A funeral ceremony will be held following visitation at 11:00am at Trinity Reformed Church. Reverend Deb Yurk presiding. Interment will be in Pilgrim Home Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Holland (270 Hoover Blvd., Holland, MI 49423) or Trinity Reformed Church (712 Apple Avenue, Holland, MI 49423).
Funeral arrangements are under the auspices of the Mulder Chapel.
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