Roger Carl Ladegast, devoted husband, dad, papa, uncle, brother, friend, Eagle Scout, US Army and Coast Guard Reserve veteran … fought and lost the toughest battle of his life, against cancer, on Monday, August 18, 2025.

Born January 15, 1948, to Ervin and Ruth (Tanis) Ladegast, Roger was a lifelong Montague resident and an active, respected member of the White Lake community. Roger graduated from Montague High School in 1966. After graduation, he attended Muskegon Community College until he was called upon to proudly serve in the United States Army.

He returned home from service in 1969, just in time to meet the love of his life, Charlene Oyler, in April 1970. Roger and Charlene were married August 29,1970, putting down their own family roots in Montague, where they would raise their 3 incredible children, Jason, Erin and Joseph.

In his time with us, his well lived 77 years, Roger was able to teach, to heal, to love and to be loved by so many! He was a volunteer firefighter with the Montague Fire Department, an EMT with Professional Ambulance, he spent 18 years in the U.S. Coast Guard Reserve, he was a Quality Engineer at Howmet Aerospace, a school bus driver at Montague Public Schools and affectionately known as The Captain by his customers at Hall's Sport Center.

His love of woods, water, and wildlife was evident in his hobbies and passions throughout his life, knowledge and experiences that were passed down to him, thus being passed down to his own children and grandchildren.

In retirement, Roger and Char enjoyed traveling and vacationing with their friend group, The Boat People; Tom & Sue Heethuis, Bob & Lois Huizenga, Jim & Patti Bromley and Jim & Wendy Jilek.

They, along with anyone who knew Roger, will mourn the loss of a man who was larger than life.

Left to carry on his legacy of kindness and humble, gentle spirit are his devoted wife of 55 years, Charlene (Oyler) Ladegast; his children: Jason (Jennifer) Ladegast, Erin (Paul) Potter, and Joseph Ladegast; his grandchildren: Hunter and Samantha Ladegast and granddogs: Buzz & Barney Potter, Scarlet, and Leonidas.

Visitation with Roger's family will begin at 10:00 AM with a Memorial service celebrating Roger's life immediately following at 11:00 AM, Saturday, September 6, 2025, at Beacon Cremation and Funeral Service, White Lake Chapel, 413 South Mears Avenue, Whitehall, MI 49461.  After the service, a luncheon will be held at the White Lake VFW Post 3256, 9370 Walsh Road, Montague, MI 49437.

Beacon Cremation & Funeral Service, White Lake Chapel, is in charge of arrangements.

www.beaconfh.com