Obituary of Michael Roettger

A Life Remembered

 

With a heart as big as his nickname, Michael Kenneth Roettger, affectionately known as "Turtle," ambled peacefully off to the great pond in the sky on January 19, 2024, at the age of 60. Born in the cozy town of Kingston Ontario, on March 7, 1963, to parents Jim and Lois Roettger, Turtle proved that slow and steady not only wins the race but also makes for a pretty fantastic journey.

 

Leaving behind a shell of cherished memories, Turtle is survived by his beloved wife Lynn Roettger, who sweetly kept pace at his side throughout the years. His legacy shuffles on through his children, Cynthia (Willy) Seabrook, Gordie (Cyndal) Vallier, and Stacey (Adam) Wyatt, each carrying a piece of Turtle's unhurried charm. As a papa to William, Tatum, Summer, and Oliver, he passed on his knack for taking it slow, ensuring storytime lasted just a little bit longer.

 

A band of siblings, Jimmy (Heather) Roettger, Lisa Roettger, Tommy (Angie) Roettger, and parents Jim and Lois Roettger, will remember him as the life of the pond, and will miss the way Turtle could turn any family gathering into a shell-ebration. Not to be forgotten are his lifelong comrades, George Arnison, Erik Persson, and Tyler Cook, who shared in the many adventures that were never a hare-brained race against time, but a meandering through the joys of friendship.

 

The paw-shaped void he's left will be felt by his loyal canine companions, Angel and Sadie, who continue to look for his slow and steady footsteps.

 

Known for his tortoise-like tranquility and hare-raising humor, Turtle never raced through life but instead enjoyed every moment at a pace that let him savor the lettuce life had to offer. He showed us all that the secret to happiness may just lie in a steady, patient plod.

 

In true Turtle style, a personal gathering will be held; a chance to retract into the shell of shared memories and smile over a life lived not over the speed limit, but at a pace that made every moment count.

 

In lieu of flowers, the family encourages you to take a leaf out of Turtle's book: pause, enjoy the view, and perhaps support a charity that keeps the world turning at a kinder, gentler speed.

 

Remember that while Turtle may have finished his earthly race, the ripple effect of his amiable spirit will be felt on the banks of our lives forever. "Slow and steady" wasn't just his way—it was his gift to us all.

 

So let's not say goodbye, but rather "catch up soon," as Turtle takes the scenic route to the stars, leaving us all with fond memories and a reminder to enjoy life's journey at our own pace. May his soul rest in peace, and may his memory bring comfort to all who knew and loved him.

 

Arrangements entrusted to Payne Funeral Home in Odessa. Please share your memories and condolences to the family.