Rodger Henry Pruis

Rodger Pruis passed away Wednesday morning, August 10, 2022. Rodger was born November 17, 1934 in Holland, MI. The son of Ties and Tillie (Koop) Pruis. Rodger attended Holland High School where he met his sweetheart Norma (Nynas) Pruis. After high school, Rodger worked several jobs including working in meat packing, driving a milk truck and serving in the Navy Reserve. He and Norma were united in marriage on June 16, 1954.

The two moved to Kalamazoo when Rodger enrolled at Western Michigan University in 1959. While a student there, he worked for the university as a janitor, then as a student manager. Rodger earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science. He remained employed at WMU for a total of 35 years, rising to become the Director of the Student Center. During that time, he also enjoyed serving as representative to the International Association of Student Unions. After he retired, Norma and Rodger traveled to many places in the US, however Upper Michigan and Duluth, Minnesota were two favorites where they frequently returned.

Rodger enjoyed participating in his local community. He was a member of the Kalamazoo Lion’s Club, Kalamazoo Convention Bureau and served a term as president of the Kalamazoo Chamber of Commerce. He also always looked forward to Tuesday morning breakfast club with his WMU buddies. An engaged member of the Reformed Church, Rodger served as Deacon, Treasurer and Elder at various times throughout his life. He and Norma both enjoyed being members of their current church, North Park Reformed Church.

Rodger had the ability to talk to anyone and make them feel comfortable. He was particularly known for his terrific sense of humor. He had many friends and was much beloved by his family. To say he will be greatly missed is truly an understatement.

Rodger is survived by his loving wife, Norma and his three children, Karla (Jim) Hoffman, Mike (Shari) Pruis, Ren Pruis; grandchildren, Angie (Joseph) Fox, Joshua (Angie) Pruis, Jeremy (Annie) Pruis, AJ (Melissa) Pruis, and Sarah Hoffman; great-grandchildren, Odin, Rowen and Elodie; and several nieces and nephews. Rodger was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, John (Angie) Pruis and his granddaughter Sadie. Friends may meet the family from 10:00-11:00am Tuesday, August 23 at North Park Reformed Church, 1316 Barney Rd where a memorial service will follow at 11:00am with Pastor Paul Fazio officiating. A light lunch will follow the service and private family interment will be in Grand Prairie Cemetery. Memorials may be directed to North Park Reformed Church or Park Village Pines. To view Rodger’s personalized webpage please visit https://www.langelands.com