Roger Wernlund

Roger F. Wernlund was so much more than a successful engineer with a prestigious degree from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and a string of patents to his name. Relatives, young and old, will always remember him as big-hearted, silver-haired Grandpa who loved family more than anything else.

Born in Staten Island, NY, Roger, 82, of Indialantic, passed away on April 25, 2011 at Palm Bay Hospital after a brief illness.

The epitome of generosity for church and family, he never forgot birthdays, wedding anniversaries and graduations—whether he was in or out of the hospital. Truly, Grandpa was happiest at the dinner table with loved ones where swapping stories and laughter were more important than the food.

Lantana was home for decades where he and late wife, Charlene, raised their three children while working together at a small company in West Palm Beach. Retirement was sweet in the late 1990s when the business that Roger co-founded was purchased by an international company in Milan, Italy.

For more than 20 years, the couple explored the world aboard dozens of cruise ships to places like the Panama Canal, China and Australia. In celebration of their 50th wedding anniversary in 1999, they invited 10 family members on a 10-day trip to Alaska.

After Charlene's death, Roger moved to Indialantic to be near family. Never losing his zest for life, he joined Eastminster Presbyterian Church, was a Tai Chi student, avid swimmer, read every Tom Clancy thriller he could and cherished the sounds of singer/pianist Diana Krall.

But more than anything, Roger lived to spend time with family whether it was watching a Miami Dolphins football game or hosting a backyard barbeque and pool party. No one knew why he hated salad so much but it was no secret that Roger loved baked ham, corn-on-the-cob and Bombay Sapphire Gin.

Grandpa, our love for you will live forever in our hearts.

Besides his wife, Roger, the son of the late Christian and Edith Wernlund, was preceded in death by his sister, Virginia (Wernlund) May and her husband, George of New Britain, CT.

Survivors include his sister and brother-in-law, Barbara and Wally Keller of Sanborn, NY; sons, Christian J. Wernlund II and James V. Wernlund; and daughter, Karen Wernlund; daughters-in-law, Sharon Wernlund and Anne Wern- lund; and grandchildren, Elliot, Zachary and Rachel.

A memorial service is 11 a.m., Saturday, May 14 at Eastminster Presbyterian Church, 106 N. Riverside Drive, in Indialantic.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations made to a charity of choice or a random act of kindness to someone in need.