Obituary of Walter Roberge

WINTER HAVEN - Walter Leonard Roberge, Jr., 81, of Winter Haven passed away at Winter Haven Hospital on Wednesday Feb. 11, 2009 of complications due to COPD. Born in Gary, Ind., on May 20,1927 to Walter Leonard & Mary Alice (Powell) Roberage, Sr. While serving on the USS Swearer (DE-186) in the South Pacific during WWII, the ship earned 4 combat ribbons and 9 Battle Stars. His working years were divided between Youngstown Sheet and Tube Co., Union Tank Car Co., General American Car Co., and as Sec/Treas. of Du-Wel Metal Products in MI. Moving to FL. in 1973, he owned Leisure Industries of Auburndale for 17 years. After retiring in 1991, he began volunteering as Sec/Treas. of Ridge Model Railroad Club, Treas. for Trinity United Methodist Church, Treas. for Abiding Savior Lutheran Church, Destroyer Escort Sailors Assoc. and the Historic Museum and USS Swearer Reunion Committee. In a varied career, he held public offices as Pres. of Lakeside School District and Justice of the Peace in Columbia Township, MI., also Pres. of the City of South Haven, and the Michigan Housing Commission. He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Phyllis and 5 children: April (William) Trent, Patricia Roberge, Walter L. (Barbara) Roberge, III, Ted (Mary) Roberge and Robert (Angie) Roberge; 9 grandchildren, Tianne, Nicholas, Nina, Jonathan, Amber, Melissa, Elise, Eric, and Teddy, Jr.; 6 great grandchildren: Kaleb, Kandyce, Kloey, Lanah Jo, Danny and Madeline. A memorial service will be held 11 a.m. Sat., Feb. 21, 2009 at Abiding Savior Lutheran Church, 1910 Havendale Blvd., Winter Haven with Pastor Alan J. Ford and Reverend Robert Miller officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Abiding Savior Memorial Fund, or the USS Slater DEHF, P.O. Box 1926, Albany, N.Y., 12201. Arrangements by Kersey Funeral Home.