Dr. Roger Allen Gerlach passed away peacefully on November 7th, 2024. He was born in 1954 in Lapeer, Michigan to Mary Bell and Warren Gerlach, both of whom preceded him in death. Roger is survived by his older Bradley (Sherry) Gerlach, his wife Carol and his daughters, Emily and Jenna. He graduated as valedictorian from Lapeer High School. He was approached by Kalamazoo College to be a student athlete, where he set a state track record and completed a pre-med program. He then attended the University of Michigan medical school where he met his wife, Carol. They married in 1978 and moved to Trufant, where they adopted two daughters. Roger opened his own medical practice; one that was based on kindness and compassion. He did home visits and did his best to provide care for those who truly needed him. He was a generous and self-less person. Roger loved rural life; and tended a vegetable garden in the summers and kept chickens and ducks. He had a big heart for animals and much to his wife's chagrin, cared for any cat Jenna brought inside the house. He went on to work in the Carson City Hospital emergency department and the Ionia State Prisons, from where he retired in 2019. During his retirement, he enjoyed hours of reading and spending time with his family. He was of sharp intellect and had a wonderful sense of humor. He was strong-willed and tender-hearted; and will be deeply and forever missed by his loved ones. A visitation will be held on Sunday, November 17, 2024, from 1-3 pm at Zaagman Memorial Chapel at 2800 Burton St. SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49546. If you would like to make a donation in Roger's honor, please consider Kent County Animal Shelter.