Roger Visser ’52

Roger Leonard Visser of Virginia Beach and Boynton Beach, born January 28, 1930, departed this life in an uncharacteristically quiet way on the morning of October 8, 2022, at 92.

Roger is survived by his wife, Genevieve Gore Visser ’52 (“Jackie”), his son, Scott Visser and wife, Melodye Visser, of Wilmington, North Carolina, his daughter, Laura Visser Weis and husband, Bart Weis, of Charlottesville, Virginia, his son, Britt Visser and wife, Roxanne Visser, of Virginia Beach, Virginia, his son-in-law, H. Benson Dendy of Richmond, Virginia, his sister, Shirley Helmink ’48, of Holland, Michigan, and eleven grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by his daughter, Stacey Visser Dendy, of Richmond, Virginia.

Roger was born and raised in Holland, Michigan, where he attended Hope College and met the love of his life, Genevieve Gore, at the drugstore soda fountain on the first day of school. Roger pursued her for the rest of his life. In later years, you may have seen him delivering coffee to her on the putting green in the middle of a round of golf at The Princess Anne or Quail Ridge Country Club, as four hours was too long to be apart.

After college, he married Genevieve and was an officer in the United States Navy for three years stationed in Norfolk, Virginia, before attending the University of Michigan Dental and Orthodontic Schools. After graduating, he returned to Virginia Beach and established an orthodontic practice that he grew into a three-partner group, Visser, Martin & McGuire Orthodontics, in which his youngest son continues to practice. Roger took great joy in knowing thousands of patients over the years and never forgot a smile.

Roger was a life-long athlete playing competitive sports including volleyball, badminton, USTA tennis, and bridge until his last few years. His accomplishments included winning a national title for Senior USTA Tennis. He also enjoyed surfing and fishing and even tried golf for Jackie’s sake. When he no longer golfed, he would accompany her to the practice range and keep detailed training notes in his head to review over dinner. His bridge friends called him “Gabby” as he loved to talk to anyone and everyone.

Roger took immense pleasure in his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. They were his greatest treasures on earth. In his last decade, he loved calling and texting them daily leaving a legacy of funny, sweet and cherished conversations, texts and voicemails.

Eternally, Roger’s personal relationship with God was of utmost importance to him. Throughout his life, he taught church classes, started outreach for youth at “The Fire Escape,” helped found Young Life in Virginia Beach, and supported numerous other Christian organizations. He was a trustee on the board of Regent University for many years.

In a linen covered book embossed, Burn Book, Roger kept a prayer list of people who had asked for prayer or were going through illness or difficulties reaching back to the 1970’s. Many of us are in that book. If you knew him, chances are you are too. He cared deeply for others. He believed. And, most of all, he loved the Lord his God with all his heart, with all his soul and with all his mind.

He asked for his obituary to read: He loved the Lord. He loved his Family. He loved his Country. He went to see his Father. He hopes to see you soon. But take your time, he has eternity. A celebration of life will be held in the future. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Young Life or the charity of your choice.