(Swanton Graduate; Air Force Veteran)
Roger A. Bak, age 80, passed away on Wednesday, March 25, 2026, at home with family. He was born on May 13, 1945, in Toledo, Ohio, to Alfred Z. and Kathryn (Kutzli) Bak.
He graduated from Swanton High School in 1963. Roger served in the United States Air Force for four years during the Vietnam War. During his time in the service, he spent two years in Chicksands, England, where he had the opportunity to travel in Europe, Paris, France, and Germany with friends.
He volunteered and moved to a base in Peshawar, Pakistan, for two years where he worked as a Morse Code Intercept Operator until 1968.
Following his military service, he dedicated 30 years of his life to the Ford Motor Company where he worked as an inspector, hourly representative, and Ford Total Productive Maintenance Coordinator/trainer.
While working at Ford Motor he met his wife, Jeanette (Givens) Russell-Duron, and they married on May 6, 1978, in Royal Oak, Michigan.
Roger had a true love for the outdoors. He was a Master Gardener and had belonged to the Audubon Society and found joy in gardening and feeding the birds.
He was a very active member of the Tom Katz Square Dance Club in Oakland County for many years, serving as vice president and president and teaching many new members to dance, and as a member of Helen Hannah’s Round Dance Club in Detroit, where everyone felt like family.
He was also an avid collector, always on the lookout for unique antiques and hidden treasures at garage sales and thrift stores. A lifelong learner, Roger had a deep passion for reading and was rarely without a book, often juggling several at once during his retirement years.
He loved history and traveling. They traveled to the Caribbean enjoying cruises and tours, Alaska’s interior by train and cruised down the Glacier Bay area as well, Vegas, Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, Wisconsin, UP Waterfalls, Mall of America, Jackson Hole, Washington D.C., just to name a few, yet many more they wanted to see.
Together they shared 47 years of love, laughter, fighting, and adventure. Roger moved to Muskegon, Michigan, his wife’s hometown, in November 2025.
He will be fondly remembered for his storytelling and his ability to captivate family and friends with tales from his life.
Above all, Roger was a devoted family man who loved his wife, children, and grandchildren beyond measure. He was always on the move, rarely sitting still, earning him the affectionate nickname “Mr. Hoppen” or at times “Grumpa” from his grandchildren.
He filled his days with purpose and energy, embracing life to the fullest. Roger was truly one of a kind and made a lasting impact on all who knew and loved him. He will be deeply missed.
Roger is survived by his loving wife, Jeanette Bak; son, Lance Duron; three grandchildren, Amanda (Dustin) Black, Heather Barclay, and Madison Russell; two great-grandchildren, Caleb Black and Kailyn Black; brother, Richard Bak; two nieces, Jennifer (Legend Montgomery) Bak and Christina (Joseph) Bak-Colman; and many dear friends. He was preceded in death by his parents and oldest son.
Roger will be interred at Pinehill Cemetery in Fruitport Township, Muskegon County, next to his son, Tigh Russell, who passed in 2018. Per Roger’s wishes, no funeral service will be held.
Arrangements entrusted to The Lee Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services, 6291 S. Harvey St., Norton Shores, Michigan 49444. Share memories with the family at www.weigelfuneralhomes.com.