Keweenaw Report Your Source for Local News and Sports
As received from Memorial Chapel:
Roger Dale Karsama, 69, of Elo, fell asleep in death on March 13, 2022 in Plantation, Florida, where he always enjoyed an annual escape from winter at his sister’s home. He fought a courageous battle with cancer since 2020. Roger was born in December, 1952, to Gordon and Helen Karsama of Elo. He attended John A. Doelle school, Houghton High School, Baraga High School, and Michigan Technological University. After completing his education, Roger resided primarily in Detroit, pursuing his career. He held various positions in both southern and northern Michigan as well as Canada, eventually retiring in 2011 from both the Laborers and Carpenters/Millwright Unions. Soon thereafter he returned to the family homestead in Elo to enjoy his retirement.
Roger was a member of the Negaunee Fraternal Order of Eagles, Chassell VFW Auxiliary Post, Detroit Finn Camp Association, and the Otter Lake Sportsman Club in Tapiola. He participated in local sports since very young, pitching on the Karvakko’s Market baseball team. He also coached the local women’s softball team, Pheiffers Corner, for 3 years, enjoying a league championship. An avid outdoorsman, he enjoyed fishing the northern lakes as well as offshore in Florida. A “snowbird” since retiring, he golfed and rode motorcycles year round. He enjoyed annual deer hunting and ice fishing seasons, as well as harvesting his vegetable garden each summer. Roger was known for his generous, giving spirit, always eager to help others. He was a devoted and loyal son, brother, and uncle. His zest for life will long be remembered by all who knew him.
Roger is survivied by his sister, Robin Karsama Padilla (Richard), neices Melissa Padilla Faassen (Cooper) and Adrienne Karsama Hill (Rob), nephews Erik Karsama, Alec Karsama, and Clark Padilla (Ashley), several aunts and numerous cousins. He is also survived by his second “family” in Milford, his dear friends Dave and Sue Tucker who lovingly opened their home to support and encourage him throughout his cancer treatment at the University of Michigan. He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Keith, sister in law Alice Pouttu, as well as numerous aunts, uncles, and several cousins.
His memorial service is set for Friday, June 24 at 4 PM, at the Memorial Chapel Funeral & Cremation Service Mt. View Chapel of South Range, with visitation at 3PM. Immediately following, a simple burial will take place in Elo Cemetery. A Celebration of Life will begin at 6 PM at the Otter Lake Sportsman Club.
Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.MemorialChapel.net. The family suggests that memorial contributions may be sent in Roger’s name to Little Brothers-Friends of the Elderly, in Hancock.
