Roger A. Wickenheiser

Roger Anthony Wickenheiser, age 64, of Monroe passed away peacefully at home surrounded by loving family on February 5, 2023. Born May 5, 1958 in Monroe, Roger was the son of the late Earl and Ellen Mary (Patch) Wickenheiser. He attended St. Patrick Grade School and Monroe Catholic Central. After earning his GED and attending Hobart Welding College in 1978, Roger moved to Colorado where he worked in construction. He returned to Michigan in 1990. He joined the Millwright Local 1102 and was a member of the Michigan Regional Council of Carpenters Union Local 687, retiring in 2020. He worked as a carpenter, piledriver journeyman, certified welder and welder fabricator. He was employed by Caissons, Detroit Edison, Fermi II, North American International Auto Show and more. He had a special interest in motorcycles and muscle cars. He met the love of his life in high school but their paths parted. They reconnected and he married Melanie Barron on January 13, 1994 at the Chapel of the former Mercy Memorial Hospital in Monroe. He had infinite patience with his stepdaughters. He was a loving Papa and built-in best friend to his granddaughters. Roger had an adventurous spirit and great sense of humor. His easy smile went with his “I can do it” attitude. He loved playing guitar, jamming with family and friends and even writing songs. He enjoyed gardening and hunting morels. He inspired others by his positive attitude and determination. He was self-giving, generous and totally devoted to his family. He rarely complained during his fierce fight with cancer. In the midst of his suffering, he supported his wife with love, patience and kindness until her passing in October. To cherish his memory, he leaves grandaughters Jada Minkler and Makiya Barron Cole; brothers David, Brian, Donald, Thomas (Helen); sisters Patti Ellen (Sean) Reidy, Christine (Allen) Jones, Mary Beth (Charles) Wiley, Kathleen (Ross) Morgan, Germaine (Ty Ponsford) Dearen, Eileen (David) Albrecht, Sharon (Cliff) Venier, and sister-in-law Linda (Peter Perkins) and many loving nieces and nephews and extended family. He is predeceased by his wife Mel; step-daughters Melanie and Charlee Barron, parents Earl and Ellen Mary, brothers Nicholas, Joseph, Peter, and sister-in-law Laura. Family and friends may visit from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 9th at Bacarella Funeral Home where the Rosary will be recited at 7 p.m. Roger will lie in state Friday at 10 a.m. at St. Michael Catholic Church. Mass of the Resurrection will be celebrated at 11 a.m. by the church pastor, Rev. Fr. Kishore Battu followed by burial at Roselawn Memorial Park. The family thanks ProMedica Ann Arbor Hospice for their excellent care. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are encouraged to the donor's choice of charity. Online condolences and special memories may be shared with the family by visiting the obituary page at www.bacarellafuneralhome.com.

Roger A. Wickenheiser

May 5, 1958 - February 5, 2023