Roger Lee Yoder, 78, of Manistee, was peacefully called Home to the "Big Guy" on June 12, 2026, surrounded by the love of family and the familiar sound of his grandsons discussing their latest golf game—a moment that undoubtedly brought him a smile as he entered eternal peace.

Born on May 30, 1948, in Manistee, Roger was the son of the late Floyd and Virginia Yoder. A proud member of the Manistee Catholic Central Sabers Class of 1966, Roger began his career with the Hardy Salt Company following graduation. In 1968, his lottery number was chosen to serve his country when he was drafted into the United States Army.  Roger served with the 1st Squadron, 1st Cavalry Division—known as the "First of the First Cav"— and saw active combat with an Armored Personnel Carrier Crew during the Vietnam War from July 1969 to February 1970. He considered it "his pleasure" to have served his country and defended the freedoms we enjoy today.  His commitment to military service continued through his time in both the National Guard and the United States Naval Reserve.  Upon returning home from Vietnam, Roger continued his employment at Hardy Salt and married his "Honey or Sweetsie, " Kathleen Roskowski, on June 13, 1970.

Roger was employed for 22 years with the Hardy Salt Company and 21 years with Packaging Corporation of America.  He served his community proudly on the City of Manistee Planning Commission for 41 years and was also a member of the Brownfield Redevelopment Authority. Roger was a member of the Stephen T. Duchon Post 1847 Catholic War Veterans, American Legion Post 10, VFW Walsh Post 4499, and the Salt City Chapter 43 of the Disabled American Veterans (DAV). He took pride in selling poppies and placing flags for Memorial Day remembrance, reflecting his wish that veterans are never forgotten. This past fall, he and his daughter Sarah participated in the Mid-Michigan Honor Flight to Washington, D.C., where he reflected on his service and paid tribute to fellow service members.

Roger enjoyed spending time with family and friends.  In his younger years, he enjoyed playing pinochle and tennis with friends, as well as coaching his children's Little League teams.  It was life's simple pleasures that brought him the greatest happiness: tending tomatoes each summer, road trips with Kathy, working on projects at home, taking a cruise in the Blue Bomb, enjoying a fire or fish boil with Mike and Kellie, catching some live music with Craig, or a day at the beach with Sarah, but most of all, time with his grandkids- fishing at Man-Made Lake, taking them sledding, or a attending a football game at "Saberland".

In retirement, you could find Roger with one of his grandkids, watching them grow and chase their dreams is what he lived for.  He became a known staple at the Bear Lake Lakers football, basketball, and baseball games.  He didn't miss a game and sometimes showed up at practices with his lawn chair and coffee to offer his coaching tips. He became "Pup" to all the athletes and supported them all.  He waited after every game, offering his encouragement and tips on what to work on!  If he missed a game or showed up late, they all would ask, "Where is Pup?" because a game just wasn't the same without Pup there.  His voice was known among the players, fans, and referees.  Pup was sidelined this final baseball season, where he spent most of it in the hospital.  After a long, hot day on the field winning another District Championship, the team traveled to see Pup and presented the trophy to him to celebrate their win—a meaningful full-circle moment, symbolizing the support he had always shown them and the bond they shared in return.   From the sidelines, Pup could always be heard offering coaching wisdom and help to the referees—"You've got to wrap him up at the knees," "Grab the ball," "He hit 'em," and most famously, "Throw the curveball."  Time with the team, doing a little "Walkin' and Talkin with Pup," was time well spent. Pup always said, "You can do it", and he would want those simple words to live on.Roger is survived by his wife of 56 years, Kathy; his two children, Michael (Kellie) Yoder and Sarah (Craig) Harless.

Pup is also survived by his grandchildren, from whom he earned the name Pup: Taylor (Deseray) Yoder, Leah (Jason) Bell, Bryce, Grady, and Myles Harless; honorary grand-daughter, Conzuelo Magana Garcia; two great-grandchildren, Emmett Yoder and Jack Bell; his siblings, Sharon Monnot and Jeffery Yoder; sisters-in-law, Lorie Yoder and Pat (Cliff) Head; brother-in-law John (Debbie) Roskowski, and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Floyd and Virginia; his in-laws, Peter Roskowski and Ada Belle Poole; his brother, Scott Yoder; his nephews, Timothy Monnot and Aaron Roskowski; his sister-in-law, Jackie Roskowski; and numerous aunts and uncles.

Visitation will be held Monday evening, June 22, 2026 at Herbert Funeral Home in Manistee where the family will receive friends from 6:00 to 9:00 PM with the evening vigil service at 8:00 PM.

Mass of Christian burial will take place at 11:00 AM on Tuesday, June 23, 2026 at St. Joseph Catholic Church (Divine Mercy Parish) in Manistee with Rev. James Bearss celebrant.  Military honors will be presented at the church at the conclusion of Roger's funeral Mass under the auspices of the Manistee County United Veterans Council. The family will also be at the church 1 hour prior to the funeral Mass on Tuesday to receive friends. Final interment will be at Mt. Carmel Cemetery also in Manistee.In lieu of flowers, those wishing to honor Roger's memory are asked to consider a memorial contribution to the Manistee County Council on Aging Building Improvement Fund.

Arrangements by Herbert Funeral Home, P.C. of Manistee. www.herbertfh.com