Roger Frederick Spring, DDS, of Grand Rapids, passed away at the age of 95 on June 30, 2025, to be with his God and the God of us all.

Roger was preceded in death by his wife of 66 years, Yvonne Svoboda Spring, and son-in-law Donald Rutishauser. He is survived by his children, Melissa Spring Rutishauser, of Portage, and Drew Frederick Spring (Dillard) of High Point, NC; four grandchildren, Rebecca Rutishauser (Craig Haradedian), Amanda Rutishauser Bruemmer (Jason), Berton Frederick Spring (Kelly), John Spring (Sidney); and great grandson Campbell Frederick Spring. Also, brother-in-law The Rev. Gordon Svoboda, and nine nieces and nephews including two locally, Dirk Buth (Lisa) and Steven Buth (Mary Fran).

Roger was born to Berton A. Spring (1875-1953) and Grace M. VanHouten (1894-1974) and was raised in the Benjamin-Spring Michigan Historical Home on the northwest corner of Madison and Alger. He attended South High School and Grand Rapids Junior College leading to Wayne State University College of Mortuary Science to become the fifth member of the family to be the funeral director in the family business. In 1952, he married Yvonne O. Svoboda of Ada. With their two children, he returned to school in 1956 at the University of Detroit School of Dentistry receiving his DDS in 1960. He began his solo practice at the corner of Burton and Hutchinson in Grand Rapids where he practiced for 52 years before retiring in 2011 at the age of 81.

Roger was a member of Ada Congregational Church, United Church of Christ, and was its moderator for 51 years, giving countless time and effort in the support and maintenance of his church home. He was also a Life Member of the American, West Michigan, and Kent County Dental Associations.

There is comfort in knowing that Roger will be wearing his bowtie in a place of endless chocolate beer and pepperoni jalapeno pizza.

Visitation will be held from 4:00-6:00 pm on Wednesday, July 9, at Zaagman Memorial Chapel, 2800 Burton Street. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, August 9, at Ada Congregational Church (6330 Ada Dr SE, Ada, MI 49301) with Pastor Rick Dykema officiating. The family will greet friends and family after the service in the Fellowship Hall at church.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to Ada Congregational Church Memorial Fund, P.O. Box 135, Ada, MI, 49301 or Emmanuel Hospice, 401 Hall Street SW, Suite 263, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503.