Roger Emmett Willcutt

On February 5, 1946, Roger Emmett Willcutt was born to Marie Ann (Brulla) and Marion Emmett Willcutt in Muskegon, Michigan. His brother, Richard Paul Willcutt, was born just two years later.

In July 1951, Marion was tragically killed in an automobile accident, leaving Marie to raise their sons alone. She faced this challenge with the tenacity only a Yooper can possess … raising two kind, generous and incredible men in a time when it was nearly unheard of. Marie did marry again in 1962 to John Joseph Seling. He would seamlessly fit into their already established family and become "Dad" to Roger and Richard.

Roger grew up in Lakeside and embraced the "beach bum" and "hippie" lifestyle of the time until ultimately working for The Man for 30 years. His strict Levi's 501 jeans and no socks policy was just one of the many things that made him stand out not only at the Social Security Administration where he worked as a Claims Representative, but also anywhere he went as West Michigan temperatures plummeted. Haircuts, socks and neck ties were high on his list of unnecessary things.

Roger grew up playing hockey in Muskegon and was a goalie from the time he was a teenager until a knee injury took him away from the crease and handed him a coach's whistle in his 50's. His size and colorful language were as much a part of the LC Walker Arena as hockey itself. He was known for so many things during those years … his love of loud music, Budweiser and beer league sports occupied much of his time until he made the decision to stop drinking and enjoy sobriety for the next 38 years.

On August 24, 1984, he married Lynn Peterson. She would laugh at him, and with him, until his passing on Sunday, February 15, 2026. Just 10 days after his 80th birthday. Lynn, his children and pets were always a priority in his life. Until he had grandchildren. Nothing came before grandchildren. If he wasn't at home, Roger was cheering on a grandchild on the basketball court, the soccer field, the baseball diamond or the wrestling mat. Even at a car show with his 1972 Chevelle Wagon, there was usually a grandchild or two with him. Travel hockey with the Junior Jacks gave him an opportunity to attend his grandson's hockey tournaments and also spend time in the hotel pool. He was "Grandpa" to dozens of kids over the years, on and off the ice. Roger will be remembered for an almost inhuman amount of love and kindness shown to friends and family, even if his need to tell someone they are wrong on the internet would make you think otherwise.

It is this kindness, love, gentle spirit and giving of time we ask you to share to honor and remember him. Roger's wife, Lynn Willcutt, children; Jennifer (Jason) Ladegast, Kyle Kaye (Peter Boyle), Patrick John Willcutt and Scott (Gabrielle) Ferski and grandchildren; Garrett Joseph Riggs, Isabel Grace Johnson and Colton Wyatt, Kimber Lynn & Wesson Case Ferski invite you to a sockless, Hawaiian shirt and jersey-clad CELEBRATION OF ROGER'S LIFE which will take place at The LC Walker Arena (Trinity Health Arena) 470 W Western Ave, Muskegon, MI 49440 on Sunday, March 15, 2026 from 11:00am - 2:00pm. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Pound Buddies, a youth sports organization or an environmental cause close to your heart. Arrangements by The Lee Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services, 6291 Harvey St., Norton Shores, MI 49444. You may sign his online guestbook at https://www.sytsemafh.com