Roger Louis Bogda, 71, of L’Anse, Michigan, entered into his eternal rest on Aug. 22, 2015. He was born in Shawano on May 21, 1944, the son of the late Jenny Pamonicutt and Louis Salzman. He was a member of the Menominee Nation of Keshena and the Wolf Clan.
Roger served in the Army in Korea. He married the former Lois Crebessa in Milwaukee on Oct. 18, 1969. She preceded him in death on June 3, 2014. Roger was an active member of the KBIC Color Guard, a member of the AMVETS and served as commander for many years. He also served as commander of the VFW in L’Anse.
Roger was a welding instructor at the KBOCC and L’Anse High School. Roger worked as a certified welder at AO Smith Co and Tower Automotive, where he retired after 30 years and moved to L’Anse with his wife. Roger enjoyed leather working, gunsmithing, woodworking, riding his tractor and watching “Hee Haw.” He loved Kit Kat candy bars, powwows, traveling, laughing with his friends at the Ojibwa Seniors — and watch out when the snagging curl comes out, and traveling with his veteran brothers. Roger loved life and lived for helping others. His grandbabies were the apple of his eyes.
He was survived by his daughter, Cheryl Bogda, of L’Anse; son, Donald Bogda, of Green Bay; grandchildren, Leona Cardin, Melissa (Sean) Kruse, Angelica (Michael) Bogda, Cheyenne (Brandon) Crebessa, Samantha (Ronnie) Chagnon, Roger Crebessa, Roger (Katey) Bogda, Sierra Curtis, Jerry Crebessa, Louis Curtis Jr.; great-grandchildren, Ella, Jordan, Avangelica, Blake, Matilda, Aubree; sisters, Rosemarie Tourtillot, of Eagan, Minnesota, and Beverly Merath, of Green Bay. Many nieces, cousins and great friends also survive.
He was proceeded in death by his loving wife, Lois Bogda; son, Jerome Crebessa; mother, Wilma Hafner; brother, Donald Hafner; sister, Mary Webster; nephews, Thomas and Brian Webster; and the rest of them whom he loved dearly.
Funeral services for Roger will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 27, 2015, at the Reid Funeral Service and Chapel, L’Anse. The family will greet friends at the funeral chapel on Wednesday, Aug. 26, 2015, from 6-8 p.m. and on Thursday from 10 a.m. until the time of the service. Interment will take place immediately following the funeral service on Thursday in the L’Anse Evergreen Cemetery. Baraga County area veterans, under the direction of the Baraga American Legion Post 444, will conduct graveside military honors.
Following the interment, friends are invited to join the family for fellowship and a luncheon at the Ojibwa Senior Center in Baraga.
Roger’s obituary may also be viewed and condolences sent to the family at www.reidfuneralservicechapel.com.
The Reid Funeral Service and Chapel, L’Anse, has been entrusted with the funeral arrangements.
