View source for Rodger L. Willett



'''Born: '''May 5, 1954

'''Died''': May 31, 2023

'''Married: '''Patricia Gillis

'''Children: '''Joshua, Rodger
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''Adirondack Daily Enterprise, ''June 3, 2023

'''Rodger L. Willett'''

Rodger L. Willett came bounding into this world on May 5, 1954, the third child of Richard <span class="quotations">“Ray” and Audrey (Kroldart) Willett. He died suddenly on Wednesday, May 31, 2023 at the University of Vermont Medical Center after a brief illness.

After studying locally, Rodger enlisted in the military, serving six years with the U.S. Army and National Guard. Best known for his years with the title of <span class="quotations">“gas man” for Pyrofax Gas Corp, he later retired as maintenance supervisor for Citizen Advocates.

Rodger was always ready and willing to help anyone, go anywhere, do just about anything at any time. Throughout the years Rodger was a member of the [[Saranac%20Lake%20Elks%20Club|Elks Lodge]], the [[Loyal%20Order%20of%20Moose|Loyal Order of Moose]], the [[American%20Legion|American Legion]], and various bowling leagues and hunting clubs, and was a member of both the [[Saranac%20Lake%20Volunteer%20Fire%20Department|Saranac Lake]] and [[Bloomingdale%20Fire%20Department|Bloomingdale Fire Department]]s. In his later years you could usually find him at one of the many ballfields or arenas, cheering on the players and just enjoying life. His most precious times were spent making memories with his grandkids, every one of which he adored. He will surely be missed.

Survivors include his wife Patricia (Gillis); his children, Joshua (Jessica) of Saranac Lake and Rodger (Jessica) of Cadyville; his grandchildren, Chelsea (Josh) DeBoover, Evan, Ellie, Elias, Katherine, Haven, Hunter, Grace and Beau Willett; and his great granddaughter Rory DeBoover. He was excited for the upcoming birth of his first great grandson. Rodger is also survived by two sisters, Sharon (Chuck) Bowman and Linda Willett of Florida; brothers Bob (Anne) Willett of [[Vermontville|Vermontville]] and Richard (Michelle) Willett of Texas; his mother-in-law Jeannette Gillis of Tupper Lake; his former wife Maggi Trummer; and scores of nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.

Rodger was predeceased by his parents, daughters Jessica Campbell and Adrienne Willett, son Rodger Jason, and granddaughter Alexis Campbell.

Funeral arrangements are in care of the [[Fortune-Keough%20Funeral%20Home|Fortune-Keough Funeral Home]] in Saranac Lake. Per Rodger’s wishes, there will be no public calling hours. Memorial contributions in Rodger’s memory can be made to the Saranac Lake Volunteer [[Rescue%20Squad|Rescue Squad]], [[Tri-Lakes%20Humane%20Society|Tri-Lakes Humane Society]] or your local volunteer fire department.

Those wishing to remember Rodger are asked to raise a cold one in his memory, and he’ll be watching. Always remember, live for today because tomorrow is never promised.