Roger John Rybarczyk

Roger J. Rybarczyk 75 of Kalamazoo passed away Friday October 28, 2022 at Ascension Borgess Hospital. He was surrounded by his son and wife of 52 years. Roger was born January 15, 1947 in Berwyn, IL, the son of John and Anne (Moren) Rybarczyk. Roger grew up in Cicero, IL, and was the youngest of three children. Roger was an avid runner / athlete and member of the Morton East High School Basketball and Cross-Country Varsity teams. From the age of 7 - 17 years old Roger loved spending his summers with his grandparents in Howardsville, MI where he was exposed to and learned of country farming life. Roger was a U.S. Army veteran stationed in Germany serving during the Vietnam War. Roger was employed as the maintenance custodian at First Baptist Church 1975 - 1980. After that he was employed as the maintenance custodian / groundskeeper / bus driver at the former Kalamazoo Bible Church, and as a member of the Church he served as a sound engineer and volunteered as an Awana Youth Leader. Roger had many passions and interests. He was a photography enthusiast. He was a music collector and appreciated music of many diverse genres, their diversity / culture, and was a gifted harmonica player. He was always curious, and enjoyed reading Sherlock Holmes novels and about UFO's. In a conversation with Roger, he was rich in information, full of wit, with a hilarious sense of humor coupled with an infectious smile. Roger had a soft spot in his heart for animals, and they seemed to have a soft spot for him in return as he took many dogs and cats in as pets, cared for and loved them. He was craftsman of his home and yard, and enjoyed maintaining his tractor, trimmers and working on his lawn. He enjoyed taking the long scenic way to get to his favorite restaurants. Roger was a beloved uncle to many nieces and nephews and loved taking them on long adventure hikes, fishing, picnicking at the lake, bonfires, and tractor / pickup truck rides in the Michigan countryside. Roger was a wonderful Dad who loved being involved and committed to his son's activities with getting him to his piano lessons /recitals and many sports practices, games, events ie; baseball, basketball, soccer, ice hockey, even trips to skateparks for him to skateboard. He also was Den Leader of a local Cub Scout Den who participated in many community events. Roger also loved spending time with his grandchildren taking them on trailer rides around the yard and through the neighborhood, watching movies with them and attending their music / dance recitals, concerts and plays. Roger was a member of St. Monica Catholic Church, Kalamazoo, MI. On August 1, 1970 Roger was united in marriage to Monica (Martinez) Rybarczyk who survives. Also surviving are a son, John (Dorsi) Rybarczyk; two granddaughters, Lucy and Nyla Rybarczyk; sister, Barbara (James) Pliml; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Steve Rybarczyk. Friends will be received 10:30 am to 11:30 am Saturday November 12, 2022 at St. Monica Catholic Church where a Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 11:30 am. Luncheon to follow at 1:00 PM at Calvary Bible Church East, 5495 E. Main St. Kalamazoo, MI 49048.   A shelter comital will take place July 28, 2023 at 1 pm at Ft. Custer National Cemetery.  Officiating Pastor Bryan Cradock of Cavalry Baptist East.  Arrangements by Parchment Redmond Funeral Home. www.redmondfuneralhomes.net