Roger Cornelius Niemeyer

Roger C. Niemeyer, Ph.D. 94, met his sweet Savior Jesus Christ after passing away peacefully at The Willows of East Lansing on October 17th, 2022. Born on August 2nd, 1928, in Monroeville, Indiana to Cornelius and Hilda Niemeyer, Roger was destined to be a lifelong educator. After graduating from Monroeville High School in 1946, Roger went on to receive Bachelor of Science and a Master of Arts degrees from Ball State University and a PhD from Michigan State University—all in the area of education. Between degrees, he served for two years in the US Army (CPL E-4) in the counter-intelligence corps.

Roger began his tenure in the state of Indiana teaching at Central and Westside Junior High Schools in Elkhart before moving on to Elkhart High School, and North Central High School in Indianapolis. He then returned to Michigan State University where he joined the faculty in the College of Education in 1972. Roger retired from MSU (with full emeritus status) but remained on for several years to teach a summer course in Traverse City called Mini Society. During Roger’s tenure at MSU, he taught all over the world (Egypt, Indonesia, Singapore, Philippines, Japan, Brazil, England, Thailand, and Hong Kong).

Always one to give back, Roger was an avid MSU Varsity Club Member and faithful member and contributor of the East Lansing Rotary Club for over 30 years. For 14 of those years, he served as the Chair for the Committee on International Service—which endeavored to help fund service projects in underserved countries. Roger also served on committees at the MSU Federal Credit union, Pinecrest townhouse association and so enjoyed volunteering in the kindergarten class at Lansing Christian School.

Roger’s infectious smile, expectant wave, and unique salutation “greetings” was a staple to everyone he met. As an educator, he always taught the value of reflecting—something that we could all improve upon. Roger was an encourager, an inspirer, a giver and a mentor to so many. He has left an indelible print on the myriad of people that he rubbed shoulders with and will be missed.

Roger is survived by his three nieces: Cindy (Charlie) Truax, Ann (and the late Roger) Sassaman, and Nora (Craig) Stacey, their children Peter Truax, Amy Truax, Katie Sassaman, Justin Stacey, Hope Stacey, and close family members Jason (Amy) Block and their children Kali (Ralphy) Villarreal, Hunter (Lauryn) Block, Dawson Block and Weston Block

A Celebration of Life service will be held at the MSU Alumni Memorial Chapel (636 Auditorium Rd, East Lansing, MI 48824) on Sunday, April 23rd from 1:30-2:30p.

If you are unable to join in person, consider joining via Zoom by using the following link:

https://us06web.zoom.us/j/88142528991?pwd=bDR5WG9nQjV5T0RGUVk2dVoyVjVvdz09

Meeting ID: 881 4252 8991

Passcode: 858981