Roger Ramthun was born in Hart, Michigan on August 25, 1941 to Mary Alice Holden and Merlin Dukes.  After Merlin was killed in WW 11 in the Battle of the Bulge, Mary Alice was remarried to Raymond Ramthun, who adopted Roger and his two sisters, Sharon and Scottie. They resided on the Ramthun farm with two half brothers and a half sister born later.  Roger attended Montague High School and furthered his education by graduating from Western Michigan University in 1969.  He was married for 50 years to Joyce Girocco, who passed in 2013.

After surviving a horrific explosion in the summer of 1969, Roger underwent months of therapy and treatment.  He proceeded to return to work at International Harvester and eventually became a Mac Tool Distributor for many years.  He and Joyce fostered six foster children over the years, opening their home for those in need.  Roger, Joyce and their children moved from Michigan to Durham, North Carolina in 1980. He and Joyce then moved to Maggie Valley, North Carolina in 1993. Roger was raised in the Lutheran Church and remained a faithful servant throughout his lifetime.

He is predeceased by his wife Joyce, his son David Ramthun (Kelly) and his half sister Marcella "Sis" Sorensen. He is survived by his daughter Kristina MacPherson (Doug) of Florence South Carolina, his two grandsons Donovan and Grant (Rebecca) MacPherson, and great-grandson John MacPherson, his two sisters Sharon Brandt (Dan)  and Scottie Ransom (Mike), half brothers Wayne Ramthun and John Ramthun and many cousins nieces and nephews.

He was best known as being the "tool man," an avid Duke fan and a master of woodworking. He was a stoic and stubborn man, but with a snarky sense of humor. He showed his affection by teasing those he liked and making them unique handcrafted birdhouses from his workshop.  He will be fondly remembered as "Pops" nicknamed by his son-in-law and will be greatly missed by his loved ones.

Cain Calcutt Funeral Home is honored to serve the Ramthun family.