Obituary of Roger VanEtten

MAPLECREST- Roger E. Van Etten, received his wings at home with his wife and children by his side on September 8, 2020. He was born in Lexington, NY on June 9, 1942. He was the son of the late Edward M. VanEtten and Eva (Minew) VanEtten. Alzheimer’s

stole a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather and friend way to soon.

Roger attended Hunter Tannersville and Windham Ashland Jewett Schools. As an adult he attended Columbia-Greene Community College in Hudson NY, graduating with honors in 1982 with a diploma in Substance Abuse Counseling. He served his country for six years; was an E4 in the US Army (paratrooper) entering in July 1961. He received a Good Conduct Medal and got an honorable discharge in July 1963 followed by serving 4 additional years in the Reserves. He was a retired member of Laborers Local 190 in Albany for 54 years. He was also a dedicated friend of Bill Wilson for 39 years and sponsored numerous people in the fellowship. He was a member of the Windham United Methodist Church.

After their retirement, Roger and Anna spent many years traveling in their motorhome up and down the East Coast. Roger’s favorite places were in Maine and in Myrtle Beach, many times accompanied by grandkids.

He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Anna (Meier) VanEtten of Maplecrest; two daughters, Debra (Larry) Sherman of Middleburgh NY, Bonnie Bentley of Maplecrest NY, and son Michael (Gail) VanEtten of Leeds NY; six grandchildren: Kyle (Kim) Bentley of Hunter NY, Christopher (Samantha) Sherman of Howes Caves NY, Amanda (Steve) Jones of Tannersville NY, Kaitlyn Sherman of Middleburgh NY, Matthew (Sara) Bentley of Maplecrest NY, and Megan (Ben) Smith of Lanesville NY; six  great grandchildren: Peyton Sherman of Selkirk NY, Ella Jones of Tannersville NY, Zachary VanEtten Smith of Lanesville NY, Everly Jones of Tannersville NY, Evelyn Sherman of Howes Caves, and Ryan Smith of Lanesville NY; his siblings, Patricia Baresel of Mesa AZ, Albert (Louise) VanEtten of North Lexington NY, Mary (Dennis) Brockway of Hobart NY, Nancy Olson of Prattsville NY, Donald VanEtten of West Shokan NY and David VanEtten of Hunter NY; many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins; and his ShihTzu, Maggie Mae.

Because of the Corona virus there will be no viewing hours. At Roger’s request burial with honors will be on Monday, September 28, 2020 at 2:00 pm at the Gerald B. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery in Schuylerville NY.

There will be a Celebration of Remembrance of Roger’s life when the quarantine is over. May Roger’s soul Rest in Peace in the Glory of God and the heaven above.

In lieu of flowers feel free to donate in his name to the Alzheimer’s Association online @ act.alz.org or by mail to 225 N. Michigan Ave., Fl. 17, Chicago, IL 60601.