Roger Garvelink ’58

Roger Garvelink ’58, 82, of Douglas, died on July 3, 2018 from complications of Alzheimer’s disease.

He grew up in Holland, MI, attended Hope College and began his career as a math teacher at Zeeland High School.

He became the principal of both junior and senior high schools in the Detroit area. After earning a Ph.D. from the University of Michigan, he held positions as Superintendent for 23 years in 3 different states: Central Valley, N.Y.,Birmingham, MI and Downers Grove, IL.

Roger received a number of awards for “outstanding leadership” in public schools.

He served on numerous boards and committees related to public school education. His avocation included teaching classes at Eastern and Oakland universities in MI and at Benedictine College in IL. Retirement was spent as a national consultant to public school districts in recruiting school superintendents. Roger believed strongly in community service: 8 years on the Hope College board of trustees, president of Rotary Clubs in MI and IL and 3 years as president of the Senior Center in Birmingham, MI.

Dr. Garvelink is survived by his wife Carol, their sons Todd(Debbie), Brad, Wendell ( Tracy) and 5 grandchildren. 

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