Obituary of Roger Reynolds

Reynolds, Roger Francis

Saginaw, Michigan

Roger Francis Reynolds, age 83, of Saginaw Township, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, December 3, 2024. The son of Roland and Helen I. (Buchanan) Reynolds, Roger was born October 30, 1941, in Saginaw, Michigan. He married Mary Smigelski on Sept. 16^th and together they shared 63 years of marriage.

Roger graduated from Saginaw High School in 1959 and was a dedicated Boy Scout, following in the footsteps of his father’s lifelong involvement with scouting. He carried the values of discipline and service from scouting into every aspect of his life.

For over 40 years, Roger worked as a skilled tradesman at General Motors, continually advancing his education and expertise throughout his career. He was proud of his work and the legacy he built in the automotive industry.

In addition to his career at GM, Roger was a passionate antique dealer for 38 years at the Antique Warehouse, where he became a beloved part of a close-knit community of dealers. He cherished the camaraderie and fun of working together with his fellow dealers, who were like family to him.

A man of deep faith, Roger was a regular attendee of Mass at both St. Thomas Aquinas in Saginaw and Sacred Heart Parish in Oscoda. Prayer was an important part of his daily life, and his unwavering faith served as a foundation for the values he passed down to his family.

Roger was known for his quiet strength, kindness, and dedication to his loved ones. He was a man of few words, but when he spoke, everyone listened. He was a loving, caring, and respectful father who instilled in his children the importance of morals, values, and hard work.

Roger loved the outdoors and spent over 50 years hunting in the Upper Peninsula with his close friends Jerry and Bill at Cherokee Lodge. Roger also enjoyed going to the Indy 500 for over the past 40 with Ron and friends. He also enjoyed taking his sons duck and rabbit hunting and fishing, creating lasting memories in the process.

In 1997, Roger became the proud owner of Reynolds ARMMS, his second home in Greenbush, Michigan. There, he found peace and joy, spending time on the lake with family and friends aboard his pontoons, the Rollie F and the Mary Lee. He also enjoyed jet skiing with loved ones.

Roger had a competitive streak, often found playing euchre with friends while enjoying a Michelob Ultra. His love for travel also took him to many beautiful islands, where he enjoyed exploring new places with his family and friends.

Roger was proud of his knowledge of the stock market and took great satisfaction in the results of his informed decisions.

In addition to his professional and personal pursuits, Roger was an active member of several organizations in Saginaw, including the Saginaw Valley Antique Society, the Castle Museum, and the United Commercial Travelers.

Roger’s life was one of service, love, and adventure. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all who knew him.

The Reynolds Family would like to thank the Saginaw Township Police Department, EMS and the doctors and staff of the Covenant Emergency Service for their excellent attention and service to Roger.

The Family would like to thank The Gift of Life of Michigan for their kindness and expertise in dealing with the wishes of Roger.

Roger is survived by his beloved wife, Mary Reynolds; loving children, Mike (Patty) Reynolds, Steve Reynolds, and Amy (Mick) Counts; dear grandchildren, Michael and Bryan Niemiec, Ryan, Austin, and Hannah Reynolds, Bryce and Reid Counts; great-grandchildren, Caitlyn Hoffman, Bella, Victoria, Tayleigh, and Lincoln Niemiec. He was preceded in death by his parents Roland and Helen I. Reynolds; and his brother, Larry T. Reynolds. PhD.

SERVICE: A Funeral Liturgy for Roger will be held at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, December 11, 2024, at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church, 5376 State Street, Saginaw, MI 48603. Rev. Fr. Steven Gavit will officiate with burial to follow in St. Andrew Catholic Cemetery.

VISITATION: Family and friends are welcome to gather at the Deisler Funeral Home, 2233 Hemmeter Rd. (off State), Saginaw, MI 48603 on Tuesday, December 10, 2024, from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. A Vigil Service will be held at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday. Visitation will continue at the church on Wednesday, December 11, 2024, from 9:30 a.m. until the time of service.

MEMORIALS: Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorials to the Catholic Community Foundation – Roger Reynolds Family Endowment, 5800 Weiss St., Saginaw, MI 48603 or to St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church. Please share your thoughts and memories with the family at the funeral home, church or through www.DeislerFuneralHome.com.

Deisler Funeral Home is honored to be serving the Reynolds family. Please share your thoughts and memories with the family at the funeral home through www.DeislerFuneralHome.com. For further information, please contact 989-799-1151.