Michael D. Roeder-VanStone, 83

Through DNA testing in 2025, Mike discovered he had been switched at birth through an error by hospital staff, and that rather than the youngest of three children he was actually the eldest of nine.

He was born on January 1, 1943, to Albert and Elsie Roeder who were briefly in the area from North Dakota while Albert worked at Farragut. He was subsequently swapped with a son born on January 3, 1943, to Daniel and Geraldine VanStone and was sent home with the VanStones where he was lovingly raised with his older “sisters” Myrna and MaryAnn. 

He graduated from Clark Fork High School in 1961 and spent one year at the University of Idaho. He married Helen Widgren on October 18, 1975, and welcomed a daughter, Erin, in 1982. 

He spent several years working in mining exploration for Kennecott and Union Carbide before being sidelined in his early 30’s by multiple sclerosis, and later on by cancer and diabetes. Thereafter he did various jobs as his health allowed, but his most important job was that of being an “at home Dad” to his daughter Erin, and chief cook, bottle-washer, and support system for his beloved wife and best friend Helen.

Upon Helen’s retirement in 2015 they set off on a 14,000-mile road trip through the U.S. and the Canadian maritime provinces with Newfoundland being the turn around point. They spent several years “wintering warm” in Arizona, using it as a hub for more travel. He loved to travel and they returned to Newfoundland again in 2018 because once just wasn’t enough.

In 2025, after learning the truth about his birth, Mike was blessed to be reunited with his four remaining Roeder birth siblings and several other Roeder family members. In June 2026, he thoroughly enjoyed a special reunion party with his Roeder family, which was attended by 48 family members. Unfortunately, his health took a severe downturn shortly thereafter and he was called home by his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on September 4, 2026.

Mike was a kind, gentle soul who loved fishing and spending time with friends and family, and he will be dearly missed by all who knew him. Although he suffered poor health and pain for the majority of his adult life, he was a real trouper who didn’t like to complain because he always said that there were so many other folks fighting worse things than he was.

He is survived by his wife of 50-plus years, Helen; daughter, Erin VanStone-Rodriquez (David); three step-grandchildren; sisters, MaryAnn Vanstone-Myers (Gerald), Sharon Roeder-Hoffer, Catherine Roeder-Hoekstra (Bruce) and Marilyn Roeder-Schuetz (Perry), brother, Jeff Roeder (Karen); and numerous brothers-in law, sisters-in-law, nieces and nephews of multiple generations. He was preceded in death by both sets of parents; his VanStone sister, Myrna; and his Roeder siblings, Janice, Neil, James, and Linda.

Mike was a Christian man of faith, but at his request, no formal service will be conducted.