Roger Vink

Mr. Roger Dale Vink, 82, passed away peacefully on Saturday, June 22, 2024, with his family by his side after a long and courageous battle with cancer.

A funeral service will be at 2 p.m. Thursday, June 27, at Sommerfeld Chapel, 15 North Barton St., New Buffalo, MI 49117. Visitation will be from 12:30-2 p.m. Burial will be in Pine Grove Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions to the American Cancer Society in Roger's memory are highly encouraged. Please feel free to share a memory with the family online at www.sommerfeldchapel.com.

Roger was born on April 25, 1942, in Grand Rapids, Mich. He met his future wife, Sharon Cole, in their kindergarten class but had to say goodbye after the third grade when their families moved away. Roger and Sharon were brought back together in their early teenage years when they were once again reunited in the classroom and were married on June 19, 1965.

Roger began working at New Buffalo Area Schools in 1966 teaching physical education and history. He taught drivers education in the summers, drove buses and was the head football coach when he first started. Roger also coached cross-country, JV basketball, and was the assistant coach for varsity basketball. Roger was most passionate about his time coaching the baseball team. He led them to the state championship in 1983 and came home with the trophy. Roger was always so proud of the teams he had the honor of coaching over the years.

In December of 1986, Roger bought a storefront in New Buffalo and opened Oink's Dutch Treat in 1987. He served up delicious ice cream for 33 seasons before he sold the business in 2020. Roger spent countless hours at Shipshewana auctions, finding ice cream memorabilia for Oink's and usually had one of his many classic cars in the parking lot for visitors to look at. In his free time, Roger enjoyed lounging and floating in his pool and mowing his lawn. He loved spending time outdoors and in his younger years played softball in summer leagues and went duck hunting, as well as fishing and ice fishing.

While Roger's battle with cancer may not have allowed him to do everything he wanted to these past years, he never complained and fought every day with a smile. Whether he was called "Doc," "Pierre," "Coach," "Oink" or "Mr. New Buffalo," he was beloved by all who met him and loved being a part of the community in New Buffalo where he was able to make a big and lasting impact.

Roger will always be remembered by his wife, Sharon; children: Carey Vink and Barry Vink; sister, Janice (Dale) Hanson; and many dear friends.

He was preceded in death by his infant daughter, Kimberly Sue and parents.