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.
