George Otto Rogge of Grand Rapids, Michigan, peacefully passed away surrounded by family and friends after a courageous battle with cancer.

Born on the Westside of Grand Rapids; he was very proud to call himself a “Westsider.”

George loved his dad (Otto), mom (Ella), and brother (John) very much. He always reminisced about their time together and time spent with their German community.

After attending Union High School, where he was part of the ROTC, he enlisted in the Air Force. George worked as a plane mechanic and was part of the Honor Guard. He truly enjoyed being part of a group who honored those who selflessly served the country he loved. After serving, he worked as a bus mechanic for various companies in the Grand Rapids area and at McDonald’s.

George loved nature, watching a good thunderstorm, trains, airplanes, cars, building models, computer games, a good conversation, a shared pot of coffee, telling stories about growing up, calling friends, a good laugh, teaching others various German words, and a good pizza or Italian sub on the weekend.

Wherever George was, he always built and cultivated a sense of community for others to just be themselves.

Thank you to Heartland Hospice and Medilodge of Portage for taking great care of him as he celebrated his last days before making peace with his Maker and going home to be with Him and his Heavenly Family.

In lieu of flowers, donations in George's honor can be made to Heartland Hospice, Wounded Warrior Project, or Kent County Humane Society.

The family will hold an interment and Celebration of Life at date later to be determined.