Roger Laub

Obituary of Roger Ellis Laub Lake Linden Roger Ellis Laub Jr., of Lake Linden, MI unexpectedly passed away in his home on February 21, 2014. Roger was born in Gary, Indiana on May 31, 1947 to Roger Ellis Laub and Flora Bertell Trathen. Roger spent his early years in Gary, Indiana and moved to Houghton during high school. He graduated from Houghton High School, in 1965, and from Michigan technological University, in 1969, with a Bachelor in Business Administration degree. Roger worked summers in Gary at U.S. Steel while attending Michigan Tech and following graduation opened a music store and later a computer store in Houghton. In 1990, he joined the staff of Michigan Tech's Bookstore as an office administrator until his retirement in 2010. Roger was an avid New York Yankees fan although he followed most sports. He always amazed people by pulling statistics out of his head for almost any team or player. A gift he had from childhood. He loved all creatures and especially his pet rabbit Carrot. He would often stop to help an injured animal or even help a turtle across a road so it would not get hit. But most of all, Roger was a musician. He lived his music and could never pass up an opportunity to play. He played for many years with the Dodge Street Band and the group last played during the summer of 2013. He always wanted to make the "Big Time" tour but did not get that break. He never gave up that dream. He did play in various places in the Midwest. He played bass guitar with the Swing Band locally and his tuba in a German band that played around town for parades and special events. Roger was a gentle soul that never wanted to hurt anyone and who would do whatever he could to help others. Yet he did not want to bother others to help him. He was the first one at the gigs they played and the last one to leave making sure all the equipment was safely packed in the vehicles. Roger's weird sense of humor, quiet presence and unending knowledge he stored in his head will be missed by family and friends. Roger was pre-deceased by his parents and a sister Nancy Jean Ball. He is survived by two sisters; Janet Deats (David) Gustafson of Eugene, Oregon and Mary Grace Laub of Houghton, Michigan; many nieces and nephews as well as those musicians he considered his family. A Memorial service for Roger will be held 11 am Saturday March 29, 2014, at Grace United Methodist Church of Houghton with Rev. Chuck Williams to officiate. Spring burial will be in the Forest Hill Cemetery of Houghton. Friends may call on Saturday March 29, 2014, from 10 am until time of services at Grace United Methodist Church of Houghton. To view Roger's obituary or to send condolences to the family please visit www.plowefuneralhome.com. The Memorial Chapel & Plowe Funeral Home has been assisting the family with the arrangements. To send flowers to the family of Roger Laub, please visit Tribute Store