Rodger G Will

Rodger G. Will, age 78, of Grosse Ile, died October 26th 2015, peacefully at home, surrounded by family and friends on a postcard beautiful autumn day. Rodger was born on February 15th, 1937 in Kalamazoo, Mich. to G.R. "Bill" and Marguerite (née Hoekstra) Will. Elder brother of James (Bonnie)Will. Beloved husband of Irene Z. Will (née Martin) for 51 years. Loving Father of Rodger M. Will, John Z.(Désirée) Will, and Edward V.S. (Lorianne) Will.Rodger is survived by his eight grandchildren: Ashlee (George) Kropog, Shaun, Patrick, Samantha, Arshia, Lewis, Charlotte, and Savio, and a great-granddaughter, Emma Kropog. Rodger was a loving father and grandfather, civil justice champion, trial lawyer, and judge. He was an honors graduate of Kalamazoo Central High School, Western Michigan University, and the Wayne State University School of Law. Rodger began his law career as an assistant Michigan Attorney General, later becoming a partner in a law firm dedicated to serving injured workers and accident victims. A recognized pioneer in Workers Compensation law, Rodger served as the section president of the State Bar of Michigan, and taught Workers Compensation law at Wayne State University. He ended his career as a gubernatorial appointee to the Michigan State Workers Compensation appellate commission, where he served as a magistrate judge. Rodger most enjoyed spending time with family and friends, watching his favorite sports teams, reading, walking his and others' dogs, travel, and intense political debates. There will be no public viewing or burial. There will be a memorial service and reception in the coming weeks. In lieu of flowers, Rodger requested donations in his name be made to any of the following organizations: Grosse Ile Athletic Booster's Club, Grosse Ile Music Boosters, National Multiple Sclerosis Society and Southern Poverty Law Center