Roger Lyle Rolph, 81, of Montague, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, July 15, 2026, with family by his side, after a courageous battle with Parkinson’s. He was born January 8, 1945, in Muskegon.
Roger was a graduate of Whitehall High School and attended Muskegon Community College and Western Michigan University before becoming a State Trooper. He married his high school sweetheart, Arlene, and moved throughout the state during his career with the Michigan State Police. His posts included Jonesville, Houghton Lake, Clinton, Pontiac and Grand Haven. Following his retirement as a Sergeant with the state police, Roger served as the Assistant Director of Muskegon Central Dispatch before later working as a substitute bus driver for Montague Public Schools. Roger and Arlene celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary in June and spent many winters in Gulf Shores, Alabama, with friends.
Roger’s greatest joys included his family, hunting, golfing, Michigan sports, playing cards with his friends and his dogs. Roger remained very active in the community and with the White Lake Eagles throughout his life. He is remembered as a caring, optimistic, hardworking and truly genuine person.
Roger is survived by: his loving wife of 60 years, Arlene (Petersen); daughters, Lori (Ray) Schultz and Sonja (Jack) Denning; grandchildren, Carly (Brian), Nicholas (Cece) and Connor (Ashley); and new great-grandson, Roger.
All family and friends are invited to attend a Celebration of Roger's life at the White Lake Eagles, 1204 S. Lake St., Whitehall, MI, on August 8 from noon to 2 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to: Parkinson’s Research Foundation or Poppen House, 2065 E. Mount Garfield Rd., Muskegon, MI 49444.
Harris Funeral Home, in Shelby, is overseeing arrangements.
www.harrisfhome.com
