Roger Reisdorf

Roger Stanley Reisdorf, born May 30, 1949, child of Robert W. Reisdorf and Shirley (Reckard) Reisdorf, went to the Lord on November 21, 2010. He courageously battled metastasized colon cancer for the past three and a half years of his life. He approached it with the same love, compassion, and laughter that he faced each day of his life with. He attended and graduated from Redford Union High School in 1967. He then furthered his studies at Ferris State College, earning a B.S. degree in Public Administration. While at Ferris State College he served three years as the Associate Vice President of the All College Student Government. He then worked for the college in administration with many responsibilities, including working with the head football coach. He was also an active member of the Presidents Club at Ferris State University up until the time of his death. Roger worked for the Wyatt Corporation, as the Fund Administrator for workers compensation. He later volunteered and worked for Granderview Nursing home as a Nuring Home Administrator. From there he contributed his talents to the Japhet School. He also served as a board member to the Japhet School. Roger then accepted the leadership role of Vice-President with Mc Williams Credit Reports in charge of operations. For the past five years Roger has served as the Executive Assistant to the Director of the Detroit Transportation Corporation, which owns and operate the Detroit People Mover. Although Rogers first passion was public administration, he also enjoyed preparing taxes for people in addition to the various administrative positions he held. He was the lead tax preparer at H & R Block, gaining the highly respected title "Enrolled Agent". Roger was also active in his faith community. Roger was involved as a Reader at the First Church of Christ Scientist in Plymouth.Roger's charitable involvement also extended to LGBT causes. In addition He was a member of the Board of Directors of Affirmations, from which organization he twice received their Philanthropy Award.Roger has been involved with Affirmations on some level since the early 90's. First as a participant in the programs and then as a general volunteer: greeter, general office help, etc. In 2003, he joined the Open the Doors Capital & Endowment Committee and was part of a small group of dedicated volunteers who raised $5,700,000 to build the current Affirmations facitliy and create a $500,000 endowment for Affirmations. He also continued to perform service through general day-to-day support. This dedication resulted in him winning the Jan Stevenson Award for commitment and dedication to Affirmations in 2006. Shortly after that, in 2006, Roger joined the Board of Directors of Affirmations and was part of guiding the organization through the transition to the new facility. From 2008-2009 Roger served as the Treasurer of the Board of Directors. In 2010 he was awarded the Chuck Moyer Philanthropic Award for his financial commitment to Affirmations programs and services. During his time as a board member, Roger was one of a handful of board members who could be counted on to participate in every event and attend every training opportunity. He always had a kind word for staff members and showed his appreciation for volunteers with a kind word and an acknowledgement of their support. Through all this service and commitment to Affirmations, Roger was very modest about his own generosity of spirit and time. His parents preceded him in death. He leaves behind two brothers: Robin (Helen) Reisdorf of Novi, MI and R. Christopher(Grace) Reisdorf and their three sons: Collin, Cody, and Tyler Reisdorf of New Hampshire; He also leaves behind special friends Stephen Ross, Donn Tufts, and Michael Sawdy; and many other friends for whom he loved and mentored throughout his life. There will be two services held for Roger on Sunday November 28, 2010 from the Schrader-Howell Funeral Home 280 South Main, Plymouth. The first service will be from his Christian Science family with a gathering from 4-6pm with a service at 5:00pm. The second service will be conducted by several of his friends and that will take place from 6-8pm. Memorials are encouraged to the St. Joseph Mercy Health System Oncology Department, Ann Arbor; Affirmations of Ferndale; or First Church of Christ Scientist in Plymouth.