Roger Harbin
MARQUETTE, MI – Roger Harbin, 86, of Marquette, passed away Monday morning, June 8, 2026 at Brookridge Heights Assisted Living.
He was born August 25, 1939, in Holland, MI, a son of Fred and Marjorie (Elzinga) Harbin and was a member of a large family making him the oldest of 48 cousins. He was raised in Holland and attended Holland Christian School. He then enlisted in the US Army.
Following Roger’s service he attended Calvin University where he earned a Bachelor’s degree. He went on to further his education at the University of Michigan where he earned a Master’s degree in social work.
Roger began his career in social work as a parole officer in Pontiac, MI, a school social worker in Gulliver, a case worker for the Michigan Department of Health & Human Services in Escanaba and also taught a class at NMU, social worker at the Michigan Dept. of Veterans Affairs DJ Jacobetti and lastly at the Kinross Correctional Facility in Kincheloe, MI retiring in 1997.
Roger also opened and operated Freewheeler Bike & Ski in Escanaba and later added a second location in Marquette.
He was a member of the Audobon Society, Sierra Club and the Noquemanon Trail Network. His interests included bicycling, camping, bird watching, cross country skiing, fishing and hunting.
Roger is survived by his wife, Alice (Witsmeer) Harbin of Marquette; children, Gregory (Felis) Harbin of Shanghai, China, Jonathan (Sarah Konefal) Harbin of Marquette and Melissa (Scott) Richards of Gwinn; brothers, Bradley Harbin and Nathan (Sharyn) Harbin of Owensboro, KY; grandchildren, Raymond and Elise. He was preceded in death by his parents; twin infant brother; and sister, Margo.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, June 13, 2026 at 2 pm at First Presbyterian Church with Rev. Natalie Handley officiating. Visitation will be held for one hour prior to the service. A coffee social will follow the service in the church parlor.
Roger’s services will be livestreamed at https://my.gather.app/remember/roger-harbin
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to the Noquemanon Trail Network.
Fassbender Swanson Hansen Funeral and Cremation Services is assisting the family where memories may be shared at fassbenderswansonhansen.com