Roger G. Grates

Frankenmuth, MI

Roger George Grates of Frankenmuth, Michigan passed away at his home surrounded by family on December 08, 2021 after a 23-year battle with breast cancer and succumbing to heart failure.

Roger was born to the late John L. and Beatrice S.C. (Van Damme) Grates on July 8, 1938 in Detroit, Michigan. After graduating from Austin Catholic High School in Detroit (1956), he attended Michigan Technological University where he received a B.S. in Metallurgical Engineering (1960) and a B.S. in Engineering Administration (1961). Roger went on to earn his MBA from Wayne State University (1968).

He married Carole Marie Harmon in January 1965 in Temperance, Michigan at Mount Carmel Catholic Church. They started their life together in the metro Detroit area before settling in Frankenmuth, which they have called home for over 50 years.

Roger began his career as a Process Engineer in the hearth plant on the charging floor at the Ford Motor Company Rouge Plant. He became interested and involved with computers in the mid-1960s, working with an internal group at Ford applying operations research techniques to existing problems within the company. While at Ford, Roger rose to Financial Analyst working on timeshare programs to improve efficiency within the company.

In 1970, he left Ford to become President of the Geyer Brothers Brewing Company in Frankenmuth. After leaving the brewery, Roger went on to become a Controller at Central Medical Services in Saginaw. He joined General Motors, A.C. Spark Plug Division, in 1973 as a Production Engineer applying operations research techniques to ensure timely startups of production within the division. Roger became a Senior Systems Analyst and then promoted to Supervisor of their ACCESS department before retiring in 1991.

After retirement, Roger pursued his dream of traveling to all 50 states and seven continents. He and Carole accomplished this dream with many adventures to share, such as experiencing an earthquake in Iceland, along with meeting new friends around the world. He especially loved wearing his Antarctica jacket so people would ask him about his trip. Roger enjoyed sharing his adventures with anyone who listened. One of his favorite stories entailed a ship they were aboard to Antarctica being damaged after hitting a rock spire in the Drake Passage, enduring 30-foot waves, while still being two days away from port.

Closer to home, Roger loved Michigan's Upper Peninsula, visiting many of its waterfalls throughout his life. He enjoyed skiing, a sport he did well into his seventies, passing along his love of the sport to his children and grandchildren.

Roger was a devout Catholic and an active member of Blessed Trinity Catholic Church for many years. He served on the Parish Council in the early 1970s and, along with his wife, as chaperone and youth counselor with the teen youth groups. They both accompanied the youth groups on many retreats and ski trips.

Roger is survived by his wife, Carole; children, Eric (Nicole) Grates and Carrie (Kent) Johansson; foster daughters, Jeanne Guy and Kim (Eric) Bennett; five grandchildren, Mackenzie Grates, Shannon Grates, Keiran Grates, Aaron Amidon, and Cyndi Amidon; and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his brother, John L. Grates, Jr.

The family would like to express their deep appreciation and thanks to Patty Brown and Ann Marie Esssex for their love, kindness, and friendship as they stayed with Roger through many nights over the past year while he transitioned from his life here to his new adventures in heaven. They would also like to thank the Residential Healthcare Group's palliative and hospice care nurses and staff for their excellent care, guidance, and support.

Funeral service will take place at Blessed Trinity Catholic Church at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, December 13, 2021. Visitation will be on Monday from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. Due to COVID, there will not be a luncheon following the mass. Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider a memorial to Blessed Trinity Catholic Church.

Arrangements are entrusted to Cederberg Funeral Home of Frankenmuth. Please sign our guest book or share an online condolence with the family at www.cederbergfh.com .