Roger Dale Antilla

Roger Dale Antilla, Sr., 73, of Bruce Crossing, MI passed away July 25, 2022 peacefully at home in Battle Creek, surrounded by loved ones.

Roger was born April 30, 1949 to Toivo and Martha (Mattson) Antilla and was a graduate of Ewen High School class of 1967. After high school, Roger enlisted in the Army as a helicopter mechanic serving his country in Viet Nam, Germany and Stateside. On April 13, 1970, Roger married Theresa (Yates) Antilla and had 2 children, Roger Jr. and Cheri. After an honorable discharge, Roger and his family moved back to his hometown of Bruce Crossing, MI where he ran a local full service gas station, worked for the Ontonagon County Road Commision as a greaser and truck driver, worked for Lac Vieux Desert transporting dialysis patients, and ran his own snow plowing/lawn mowing business.

On November 27, 1993, Roger married his high school sweetheart, Mary (Banach) Spalding-Antilla. Roger enjoyed fishing, hunting, playing guitar and hosting his annual Tiller Dude Acoustic Jamboree. Roger was also a very active member of the community including his role as Commander of the Henry A. Holappa VFW Post #9345.

Roger is preceded in death by his mother and father, Toivo and Martha (Mattson) Antilla, brother Kenneth Antilla and brother and sister-in-law Donald and Karen Antilla.

Roger is survived by his loving wife, Mary (Banach) Spalding-Antilla, son Roger (Jules) Antilla Jr. of Marshall MI, daughter Cheri Bannan of Marquette MI, stepdaughter Robyn Ortiz of Naperville IL, stepsons Ryan Spalding of Schaumburg IL and Randy (Misty) Spalding of Fountain CO, 10 grandchildren, Joshua, Joseph, Kayla, Ivan, Alex, Madeleine, Allison, Logan, Christian and Ilyse, many nieces, nephews and cousins and Sasha the Wonder Dog.

A graveside service will be held on August 8, at 11:00am, at the Paynesville Cemetery on Nukkala Rd with Pastor Kay Richter officiating. Military Honors will be preformed by the Ontonagon County Veterans Association.. A Celebration of Life will immediately follow at the Henry A. Holappa VFW Post #9345 in Bruce Crossing where people can share stories of remembrance.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Roger’s honor to the Henry A. Holappa VFW Post #9345 in Bruce Crossing, MI

Cane Funeral Home- Bruce Crossing Chapel is assisting the family with arrangements.

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