Obituary: John Gordon Roehrig, 67, of Ludington

John Gordon Roehrig, 67, of Ludington left on his final adventure on the blue sky, sunny morning of Wednesday, May 8, 2024. Free at last of all earthly constraints and suffering, he flew skyward to Peace fueled by the deep love of his forever friend and soulmate Roxy, his loving family, and his many dear friends.

He was born in Ludington on August 22, 1956, to John M. and Faith (Kraft) Roehrig. He graduated from Ludington High School with the class of 1974, went on to earn an associate degree from West Shore Community College in 1976, and was a lifelong learner. It was while attending college that he met and fell in forever love with his future wife, Roxanne (Appledorn) Roehrig. They married on September 22, 1979, and were to celebrate 45 years of union this coming fall.

John began his working career as a machinist/tool and die maker when still in high school, then worked in several industrial shops until starting his own business, Roehrig SuperTool. He thrived on work; his declining health forcing him to close his shop doors in early 2022. He will be remembered as a true master of his craft, possessing an astute logical and mathematical mind, unmatched personal drive, and a dedication to precision and quality in all he produced.

Being a voracious reader and a superb wordsmith with an admirable command of the English language made him an engaging conversationalist. He will be greatly missed for his marvelous and unique sense of humor. John lived by a simple credo: “do the RIGHT thing”, and demonstrated his incredible generosity, caring support, and encouragement to anyone in need of a helping hand. John loved dogs, fine music (especially orchestral, piano, and of course, rock and roll), and all of nature and the outdoors. He avidly looked forward to year-round adventures with his deer camp buddies, and the annual canoe trip with his valued friends, this June’s outing marking their 44^th year. He played on the local men’s pool league for many years, striving with his teammates each season to unseat the continually reigning champions, and was one time able to succeed.

John is survived by his beloved wife, Roxy; younger siblings, Joanne (Phil) Krolikowski of Colorado, twin brothers, Bret (Kathy) and Bart Roehrig of East Jordan, and numerous extended family members.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his younger brother, Richard Lee Roehrig, paternal grandfather, Dr. P.M. Roehrig, and maternal grandmother, Lois Switzer Kraft.

John and Roxy were deeply grateful for all the love, prayers, and helpful support of many over the past 14 months, especially sister, Tina and Rob Bednarz, brother, Jim and Peg Appledorn and their immediate families, and Darcy Duggan Rogers, their personal Earth Angel.

John’s final wishes have been respected; to be cremated with no formal services, and a later gathering of family and special friends. A celebration gathering is being planned for later this summer.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Oak Grove Funeral Home of Ludington, www.oakgroveludington.com.