Roger Pirtle

Roger Sloan Pirtle, 76, of Mancelona, passed away on Monday, August 19, 2019 at his home on Rainbow Lake with his family at his side.  He was born on March 11, 1943 in Flint, MI, the son of Arthur and Myrtle "Bobbie" (Robertson) Pirtle.

Roger was raised in Mt. Morris, MI, before leaving high school early to finish his education and serve in the United States Army as a paratrooper and sharpshooter.  He worked for GM for many years in Flint, MI.  On October 3, 1987, he married the love of his life, Beverly Pirtle.  They lived in Otisville together for 13 years before moving to Rainbow Lake in Mancelona 19 years ago.

The most important thing in Roger’s life was his Christian faith, and he loved the Lord with his whole heart.  He served as an elder at both St. Timothy Lutheran Church in Otisville as well as St. Matthew Lutheran Church in Mancelona.  Roger had an infectious personality that left a lasting impression on everyone he met.  His sense of humor was one that was not hard to forget.  He was a self-proclaimed jack of all trades, master of none.  Those who knew him would argue that while he was indeed a jack of all trades, he also mastered all of them.  Among these, the most important to him was playing and writing music, bass guitar in particular.  He played professionally for many years, and made many long lasting friendships through his music. He even left GM for a short time to play professionally with Whispering Bill Anderson.  In the 90’s, he also wrote songs with Bill Anderson and Craig Morgan.

Roger is survived by his wife, Beverly; a daughter, Lee Ann (Larry) Zietz of Clio, MI; two sons, Greg (Deanna) Pirtle of Davison, MI, and Brandon (Christine) Glann of Burton, MI; two sisters, Pat (Norm) Levely of Florida, and Sheree Caldwell of Flint; five grandchildren, Lawrence Zietz, Lindsey Zietz, Tiffany Pirtle, Brendan Glann, and Tristan Glann; one great grandchild, Elena Barker; and many nieces and nephews who all adored him.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

A memorial service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, September 7, 2019 at the Mancelona Chapel of Mortensen Funeral Homes.  The family will accept friends and family from noon until the time of service.

In Lieu of flowers, please make memorial contributions to St. Matthew Lutheran Church 211 Hinman St, Mancelona, MI 49659.

Please sign his online guestbook at www.mortensenfuneralhomes.com

Arrangements have been handled by the Mancelona Chapel of Mortensen Funeral Homes.