Roger Doorn

Roger William Doorn of Portage, MI., passed away December 8, 2023, with family by his side. Born in Kalamazoo, Michigan, May 30, 1937, Roger was the son of William and Ada (Wolfert) Doorn. Roger's greatest earthly blessing was his wife, Eleanor Schaap. Married since June 13, 1958, they were further blessed with 4 children – Douglas (Karleen), David (Karen), Roger Jr. (Jennifer), and Janet – who gave them 11 grandchildren – Peter, Daniel (Alexa), Kelly (Jason Fine), Hannah (Sam DeVall), Benjamin (Carrie), Jessica, Tessa, Elena, Jager, Anneka, and Jenson – and 10 great-grandchildren. Roger also had two nephews he loved like sons, Mike and Mark Schoonbeck. Roger was an athlete. He enjoyed every ball game he ever watched or played, even if there were a few umpires he took exception to. As a basketball standout at Kalamazoo Christian High School, he set many scoring records including most single game points (both a school and 1955 city record), most career points, most single game free throws, most single season free throws, most career free throws, and the City High Season Scorer in 1955. He was named to the All-City Basketball Team in 1953, 1954, and 1955 and the All-State Team in 1955. Roger also received Honorable Mention to the All-City Baseball Team in 1953, 1954, and 1955. He earned a Varsity Letter for tennis, ran cross-country and was the school newspaper sports editor. Roger was one of the original inductees into the KCHS Hall of Fame and was named to the All-Time Comet Basketball Team. Roger loved seeing his name in the newspaper as Gazette writers documented his high school athletic career and continued to write about him and his sons in the years that followed. Look, Dad! Your name is in the newspaper again! Roger continued to participate in sports as a West Portage Little League coach, a KOHA hockey coach, a member of various softball leagues, and a charter member of the Comet Booster Club. Roger enjoyed the best seat in the arena working as a penalty box official for WMU from 1970-2005 where he became known as The Tootsie Roll Man, celebrating Bronco goals by tossing Tootsie Rolls to the fans. Always a hard worker, Roger began his career at Lemmer's Servicenter in the mid-1950's. In 1963, he and co-worker Mart Westra partnered together as owners/operators of the station until 1986. There he helped many people by giving advice, food, rides, and free car repairs. Later he worked at Upjohn-Pharmacia, retiring in 1999. In his retirement, Roger enjoyed golfing, driving his 1956 Chevy Bel-Air, attending his grandchildren's activities, wintering in Scottsdale, continuing his Top Dog breakfast routine and sharing his sarcastic sense of humor. Roger was member of Prairie Edge Christian Reformed Church since 1964 where he served as both an elder and deacon. Although Roger earned many trophies here on earth, he knew none of them could compare to the treasure awaiting him in heaven. Like all good sports fans, his favorite verse was John 3:16. Roger was preceded in death by his parents, his dear sister Marilyn Schoonbeck, two infant siblings Royce and Carol, son Douglas, and great-grandson Kayden. The family will receive friends at Langeland Family Funeral Homes Burial and Cremation Services, 3926 S. 9th St, Kalamazoo, MI 49009, Tuesday, December 12, from 4-7pm. There will be a private family burial. Friends are invited to a memorial service at Prairie Edge CRC, 9316 Oakland Dr, Portage, MI 49024, on Wednesday, December 13, at 11am with luncheon following. The family would like to thank the special people that assisted Roger in his final years including Nurse Kelly, his church buddies, and countless staff members at Centrica. Memorial contributions may be made to the KCHS Comet Booster Club or Centrica Care Navigators in memory of Roger. To view Roger's personalized guestbook, please visit https://www.langelands.com