Roger Cantu

Roger was born in Saginaw, Michigan to Larry and Leona Cantu on September 7, 1943. The youngest of four children, Roger attended Saginaw High and graduated in 1961. He was a devoted father to his three children, working for nearly 40 years as a skilled and sought-after pattern maker for the auto industry. He worked for several pattern shops throughout Michigan, including his own shop in Bridgeport. In addition to the regard he held among his peers, Roger was a past president and contributing member of the Lion's Club. Roger loved to cook! Feeding his family and guests was a joy for him. With a deep love of northern Michigan, Roger spent his retirement years with his devoted wife Susan on Big Blue Lake in Kalkaska. Despite challenged health, most days Roger could be found in the workshop, that he built himself, continuing his woodworking and creating improvements on their cabin on the lake. Roger was preceded in death by his father and mother, Larry and Leona Cantu. Also preceding Roger in death were his brother Jerry and his sister Irene. Roger i s survived by his wife Susan, one brother - Larry (Gail) Cantu of Winchester, VA. Three children - Lori (Bryan) Brown of Alvin, TX, Roger Jr. (Donna) Cantu of Plano, TX and Matthew (Sarah) Cantu of Rochester Hills, MI. Three stepchildren, Aaron (Angela) Gave, Amanda Emeott, and Adam Gave. Nine grandchildren - Joshua (Davina) Kaiser, Beau Harris, Kylie Rae (Sawyer) Morris, Abbey Harris, Dylan (Olivia) Cantu, Colby Cantu, Annie Cantu, Oscar Cantu and Jonah Cantu. Four great-grandchildren - Caden, Carson, Corbin (Kaiser) and Leonardo (Cantu). Eight Step-grandchildren - Isabela Gave, Santana Gave, Valentino Gave, Katriel Gave, Eliseo Gave, Lincoln Emeott, Jacen Emeott, Shine Rogers The family wishes to extend their gratitude to the physicians and nursing staff of Munson Medical Center in Traverse City. It was their dedication and kindness that made the last month of Roger's life beautiful and dignified.