ROGER JACK MERCER

Roger Jack Mercer was born on Sept. 16, 1930 and passed away on Nov. 24, 2024 at the age of 94. He lived a long and healthy life and died peacefully at home. Interment will be at 1 p.m. on Dec. 6 at the Riverside Cemetery in Millersburg, Michigan, weather permitting. A memorial service will be held on Dec. 7 at 1 p.m. at the Haven of Hope Church in Traverse City. Donations can be sent in Roger’s memory to Samaritan’s Purse. Roger is survived by his wife Dorothy Freel Mercer, his brother Donald Mercer, his six children, Jackie Mercer Imhoff, Kathy Mercer Riggleman, Roger Mercer, Patti Mercer, John Mercer, and Kristi Mercer Burhoe, 24 grandchildren, and 30 great-grandchildren.

Roger grew up in Onaway, Michigan on a farm with his family. He married the love of his life Dorothy Freel at the age of 20 and they were happily married for 74 years. He dedicated his life to serving God and family; everyone who knew him would attest to that. He was a building contractor in the Alpena and Hillman area of Michigan and also owned, developed, and sold thousands of acres of land, primarily in Montmorency County. As a young Christian, he and Dorothy began leading mission trips through the Free Methodist Church to Haiti and South America. They and other dedicated Christians built 33 church/schools and drilled many water wells.

Roger loved his family and their visits were always welcomed. He made everyone feel celebrated when they entered the room. His smile and sense of humor brightened wherever he went.

He lived a life that exhibited hard work, entrepreneurship, honesty, loyalty, and commitment to all those he interacted with. Though he has passed, his legacy will live on in all those who were blessed to know him.