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Roger Fross Obituary
Roger was a lifelong servant of the public, working in the private sector. He was a former managing partner of Lord, Bissell and Brook (now Locke Lord). One of his proudest contributions was as an attorney on the Shakman case since its inception, doggedly pursuing attempts to remove political patronage from public office.
A lifelong contributor to the larger community, he was a former Chairman of the Board of the Joyce Foundation. Locally, he served on the boards of the South East Chicago Commission, the Hyde Park Neighborhood Club and the Hyde Park Kenwood Development Corporation.
Roger held special his family's second home, a cottage on Lake Michigan in Shelby, Michigan. His positive imprint was felt here as well. In addition to a dedication to work and service, Roger enjoyed golf especially when it was for fun, including a hole in one on his favorite Michigan course. He loved to travel with his family, spending time in Vieques, Puerto Rico, and bicycling around the world in places such as Bali, Vietnam, Europe and a notable 100 mile day from the Grand Canyon to Zion National Park. You could also find him as chief gardener of his Hyde Park home, usually dressed in denim overalls.
Never one to do a task half way, Roger gave his all to anything he committed to. And perhaps the shining place this could be seen was in his ability, desire and success in cultivating and maintaining friendships.
He is survived by his wife, Madelon, son, Oliver O. (Naya), grandsons, Miro M. and Luca L. and his brother, G. Gerald Fross (Gail Connerty). The family holds a special place for caregiver, Judy David. There will be a private burial service.
Contributions in his memory may be made to: The Community Foundation for Oceana County, P.O. Box 902, Pentwater, MI 49449, or the Hyde Park Neighborhood Club, 5480 South Kenwood Avenue, Chicago, IL 60615.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Roger Fross
Tom Burns
February 22, 2024
Madeline and Oliver-
I just chanced on this today, wondering why I hadn´t heard from Roger recently. I share your loss, since I also lost my wife in December 2022. Roger and I go back to Highland School in Rockford. I have many great memories of our tlmes together.
Tom Burns
Berkeley California
Ann Pettigrew
February 11, 2022
Madelon,
I hope that the life you shared together will give you memories to draw from forever.
Sally Diepen
March 26, 2021
Dear Madelon, I am so sorry to hear of Roger's passing. My sincere sympathy to you, Oliver and his family. I am so grateful for the friendship we shared at the Shelby Library. My heart was touched by your generous, welcoming hospitality during my visits with you there in Chicago and here in Deerwood. I'm hoping to see you again and share those memories together.
Murph & Charlotte
March 2, 2021
So sorry to hear about Roger. We hope you are holding up okay. Our best to you and Oliver and his family
The Swanson Family
February 26, 2021
Our deepest condolences. Rodger will be truly missed.
Dan Fox
February 23, 2021
As a fellow property owner in Deerwood, I knew Roger only by virtue of his many selfless contributions to that very special place. All of us who are fortunate enough to be part of Deerwood owe Roger a profound debt of gratitude for helping preserve a bit of heaven on the Lake Michigan shore.
My he rest in peace.
Lauren Katz
February 22, 2021
I was fortunate to work with Mr. Fross at Locke Lord. He would always have an interesting story to tell while we worked on various records projects.
My sympathies to his family. He was one of a kind and will be missed.
Marv Bauer
February 21, 2021
Roger was a roommate for a short time in law school.I think he liked me. I know I liked him.Very sorry to get the news.
Milt and Mary Murphy Schroeder
February 19, 2021
We remember Roger with affection from our law school days at Chicago. We knew he would always enrich his community.
Helaine Billings
February 18, 2021
Saddened to read the sad news of Roger's passing. I was privileged to know him. Chicago is diminished by his leaving and most grateful for all that he contributed.
Peter Mone
February 18, 2021
Enjoyed our days at The Law School , as roommates after law school on Hyde Park Blvd with Bob and Kent and especially in Bourne on Cape Cod where I spent summers for 27 years. You were the consummate bartender at the Falmouth Playhouse. You gentle manner and wry wit will be deeply missed. Madelon: Our deep sympathy goes out to you and Oliver. We will remember Roger in our prayers.
Joe Yast
February 18, 2021
Roger was a colleague, law-partner, advisor, confidant, counselor, and most of all a friend. Always willing to help anyone who asked him. Wise, perceptive, creative, principled, dedicated, and effective. I am so sorry that he has left us. The world has lost one very good man, and a very special person.
Esther Diamond
February 17, 2021
I started at Lord Bissell in 1984 as the secretary to the then Business Manager, Tom Banfield and had occasion to work with Roger when he was Managing Partner. You could not help but be struck by his intellect. But, also, he was always extraordinarily kind with a distinctive twinkle in his eye. My condolences to his family. He will be missed and remembered.
Tim Goodsell
February 17, 2021
Madelon and Oliver - I´m so sorry to hear of Roger´s passing. He was such an influential figure in my life and such a good man. My very deepest condolences. God bless all of you.
Daya Tapia Yulo
February 17, 2021
My Condolences to Fross Family... Your memories will never be forgotten, May you Rest in Peace, Mr. Roger Fross
Jan Parker
February 17, 2021
Madelon and family, please accept my deepest sympathy. I feel blessed that I had an opportunity to get to know Roger. He was a truly caring and generous man. Jan Parker
Ann Pettigrew
February 17, 2021
Dear Madelon,
Sometimes there are no perfect words, only silences that whisper softly of caring......
Holding you and your family in prayer...
With sympathy,
Ann Pettigrew
Gayle Batchelor
February 17, 2021
To the Fross Family: We offer our sympathy to you during this very difficult time. Roger was in our lives for over forty years. He was first of all a friend who offered sage advice when we faced personal challenges. He was our lawyer who guided us through challenging business situations. We owe our success in life to him. He was a strong person who shared his strength with others in order to make their lives better. We loved him very much. May he rest in peace. Gayle and Doug
Timothy
February 17, 2021
Holding the family close in my thoughts and hoping all are doing OK.
Dan and Marcy Schlessinger
February 16, 2021
Dear Madelon and Oliver, Our deepest sympathies to you on the loss of this monumental figure. Knowing Roger as a pathbreaking leader at Lord Bissell, a dynamic source of insight at the SECC and Ray School, a warm and friendly neighbor, a truly excellent lawyer, mentor and colleague for the past four decades has had a major impact on our lives. We will miss him greatly. May his memory be a blessing and may you find comfort in the knowledge that his life was well-lived. Dan and Marcy
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