Roger Frederick Meyer
Roger Meyer Obituary
A Memorial Celebration Saturday ~ November 30, 2024 at 4:00pm
Country Club of Detroit
220 Country Club Dr, Grosse Pointe Farms, MI 48236
Roger was born to proud German parents in a small farming community in Okolona,
Ohio. German being the language spoken at home; Roger first learned English in
kindergarten. Although he had respect for the hard work managing a farm required,
Roger followed his academic dreams to become a medical doctor. This dream was in
part inspired by an early childhood accident requiring him to spend many months in
and out of hospitals with multiple surgeries all to successfully save his injured leg.
Roger proudly attended the University of Michigan joining a fraternity, singing in the
choir and playing in the marching band. He loved all the university had to offer but
mostly the academic training he received. Upon graduation, he went to medical school
at The Ohio State University. While in medical school, he married and had his first
daughter, Lauren Elizabeth Meyer. After medical school, he graduated top of his class as
an Air Force Flight Surgeon, first receiving his training in San Antonio, TX and then
moving to the Wurtsmith Air Force Base in Oscoda, MI. During his time in the Air
Force, his second daughter, Jennifer Susan Meyer, was born.
Next, after a short stint in an orthopedic residency, Dr. Meyer realized his passion lied
in the newly emerging field of transplant surgery, specifically cornea transplant surgery.
Ever pursuing academic excellence and medical acumen, Dr. Meyer did two
ophthalmology fellowships in the field of transplant surgery. The first at the University
of California in San Francisco, CA and next at the University of Florida in Gainesville,
Florida.
Dr. Meyer joined the University of Michigan Department of Ophthalmology in 1975. He
was so proud to return to the University of Michigan! As a research scientist and greatly
respected surgeon, Dr. Meyer helped to shape and develop the field of cornea transplant
surgery and ophthalmology as a whole during his 30 years with the university. He
presented countless research papers and presentations across the world. Widely
renowned is one of the premier cornea transplant surgeons, Dr. Meyer never lost his
humble desire to restore vision to his patients. One of his proudest contributions to
humanity was the gift of sight to thousands of people.
Dr. Meyer’s other joy was being a proud girl dad! Never reluctant to wear the color pink
and let his girls dress him up, his daughters were his pride and joy. He shared his
passion for education with his children and grandchildren. He was also a huge ski fan
taking his family to the Aspen Corneal Society meeting every year in February. What
began as a family ski trip with his two daughters, soon grew into an annual ritual with
his grandchildren and their friends as well. He wanted them to excel at skiing and
implemented the “stay in ski school until you can ski a double black diamond” rule.
Needless to say, all of his grandchildren are excellent snowboarders and skiers.
Dr. Meyer also had a passion for travel which he shared with his beautiful wife Judy.
Their adventure began while Roger was at the University of Michigan and continuedafter they married ultimately living in Laguna Beach, CA. This was one of the happiest
times of his life - being on the West Coast with Judy. Judy and Roger traveled the world
extensively and shared their love of ophthalmology together.
When Judy unexpectedly predeceased Dr. Meyer, a part of his heart went as well. Dr.
Meyer moved back to Michigan and had the opportunity to enjoy his children and
grandchildren for the next two years. Always an optimist and looking for silver linings,
Grandpa Roger felt this was such a beautiful and valuable part of his life.
Dr. Roger Meyer passed away on November 2, 2024, at age 85. Cherished husband of
the late Judy Gordon. Beloved father of Lauren Crow and Jennifer (Keith) Burt. Proud
grandpa of Maxwell, Natalie and Catherine Crow and Madison and Morgan Burt. Loving
brother of Carolyn (Jack) Smelker, Bill (Janice) Meyer and the late Delbert Meyer
(Mildred). Dearest friend to the children of Judy Gordon, Glenna and Grant Gordon.
Also survived by many other loving family and friends.
Memorial Contributions may be made to:
U of M Kellogg Eye Center
Michigan Medicine Office of Development
777 E. Eisenhower Pkwy., Suite 650
Ann Arbor, MI 48108
NOTE DONATION TO KELLOGG EVE CENTER
30997 Gerken Rd, Defiance, OH 43512
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