Roger Bernard Randall

WAKEFIELD, Mich. – Roger Bernard Randall, 91, a prominent longtime Wakefield businessman, passed away Tuesday afternoon, Nov. 19, 2013, surrounded by his loving family.

Roger was born on Oct. 7, 1922, in St. Paul, Minn., the son of James H. and Mabel L. (Simonson) Randall. He graduated from Wakefield High School with the class of 1941. While at WHS, Roger was a member of the football and baseball teams.

He was part of the Civilian Conservation Corps before entering the military. Roger proudly served his country in the U.S. Army during World War II in the Battle of the Bulge in the European Theater. He was honorably discharged as a master sergeant and was a recipient of the Bronze Star Medal.

After returning to Wakefield, Roger worked for Connor Lumber & Land Company.

On Oct. 19, 1946, Roger was united in marriage to Anna-Marie Pitrone at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Wakefield. They owned and operated the Randall Bakery in Wakefield for more than 67 years. Roger was the baker until age 89.

He was a past commander and life member of the Wakefield American Legion Geroux Post 11 and a life member of the Wakefield Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9084. He faithfully attended all military funerals and throughout the years, was a prominent veteran in the Memorial Day and Veterans Day programs. In recent years, Roger was one of the honorees who participated in a trip to Washington D.C. with the Honor Flight program.

He was a past president and member of the Wakefield Rotary and a supporting member of the Wakefield Chamber of Commerce. Roger was instrumental in the origin of local ski hills.

Sports, especially baseball, football, bowling and golf, were a big part of his life. Grandpa was always seen at his grandchildren's sporting events. Because of Roger's dedication to students, the Wakefield School District honored him by naming the land adjoining the high school as Roger Randall Field. He was privileged to be one of Wakefield's Fourth of July parade marshals. In later years, Roger looked forward to "Sunday Funday" at the casino.

Roger was a longtime member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Wakefield, where he once served as pastoral council president.

He respected his family, his country, the American flag, and was a pillar of the community. Roger will be greatly missed by all and his memory will never be lost to those who were lucky enough to know him.

Roger is survived by two sons, Gerard (Lorrie) and Rick, both of Wakefield; two daughters, Toni-Ann (Jerry) Anderson, Wakefield, and Lorrene (John) Kohnhorst, Wausau, Wis .; his daughter-in-law, Gloria Randall, Wakefield; eight grandchildren, Todd (Kelly) Randall, Jeremy Anderson, Jarvis Randall, Melissa (Amos) Prisbe, Tiffany (Bruce) Dale, Torrina (Justin) Richards, Johnathan (Jessica) Anderson and Gerard Randall; seven great-grandchildren, Devin, Garrett, Kara, Harmony, Ty, Trooper and Kaelynn; one future great-grandchild, due to be born March 2014; a brother, Clyde "Chub," Hurley, Wis .; a sister, Carol "Dolly" (Jim) Leonard, Surprise, Ariz .; numerous nieces and nephews; and a host of friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his beloved wife, Anna-Marie, on Oct. 26, 2011; a son, Bernard Roger "Benny," on July 12, 2001; and two brothers, Darell "Red" and Clayton.

The family will greet relatives and friends on Thursday, Nov. 21, from 9:30 to 11 a.m., at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Wakefield, with the honor guard beginning at 10:15 a.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow the visitation at 11 a.m., with the Rev. Antony Lukka as celebrant.

Pallbearers will be his grandchildren.

Rite of Committal and burial will be in Lakeside Cemetery, Wakefield, with a military graveside service under the auspices of the Wakefield American Legion Geroux Post 11 and the Wakefield VFW Post 9084 Honor Guard.

A reception will be held in Father Daniel Hall following the cemetery service.

Lakeside Memorial Chapel in Wakefield is assisting the family. Expressions of sympathy may be offered at lakesidememorialchapel.com.