Kevin Rooker
October 14, 1958 - January 01, 2026
Obituary
Kevin Mark Rooker, age 67, of Saginaw, Michigan, passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, January 1, 2026. The son of Jacqueline Helena “Jackie” and Donald Rooker, Kevin was born October 14, 1958, in Saginaw, Michigan. He married his soulmate and the love of his life, William “Bill” Ostash, on July 18th, 2019, but they have been partners in life for more than 21.5 years.
Kevin was born in Saginaw, and he loved the city almost as much as he loved Bill. He worked tirelessly to make the community a better place for everyone. He was on countless boards the Saginaw Public School Board, Saginaw Depot Preservation, Saginaw Economic Development Committee, Historic District Commission, and countless others. He personally installed more than a dozen historic signs in his beloved neighborhood, the Cathedral district.
Kevin graduated from Douglas MacArthur high school in 1977, graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Geography and Conservation Science & Environmental education from Michigan State University in 1994, and obtained a Master's degree in Teaching from Marygrove College in 2002. Kevin loved teaching, working on his home (The Wolfarth House), baking, and improving his community.
Kevin always asked Bill, “What is going to be your Legacy”, and we now know what Kevin's legacy is and the whole community of Saginaw will benefit from his passion for this city.
Kevin is survived by his loving husband, Bill Ostash; siblings, Jeff (Gigi) Rooker and Cindy (Todd) O'Connor; nephew and nieces, Kyle (Randi) O'Connor, Nicole (Curtis) Brown, and Sara (Devin) Craves; eight great nieces and nephews; several cousins, colleagues, and dear friends.
Visitation will take place Friday, January 9, 2026, from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Fischer Family Funeral Home, 504 N. Michigan Avenue, Saginaw, Michigan 48602.
For those that can not make the visitation we will have a candlelight vigil on Thursday, January 8, at 6pm at Weadock park.
Memorials in honor of Kevin may be made to Great Lakes Bay PRIDE at www.greatlakesbaypride.org.
For information, please call Fischer Family Funeral Services at (989) 755-8277. To express your condolences and share your memories, please visit www.fischerfuneral.com
Kevin was born in Saginaw, and he loved the city almost as much as he loved Bill. He worked tirelessly to make the community a better place for everyone. He was on countless boards the Saginaw Public School Board, Saginaw Depot Preservation, Saginaw Economic Development Committee, Historic District Commission, and countless others. He personally installed more than a dozen historic signs in his beloved neighborhood, the Cathedral district.
Kevin graduated from Douglas MacArthur high school in 1977, graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Geography and Conservation Science & Environmental education from Michigan State University in 1994, and obtained a Master's degree in Teaching from Marygrove College in 2002. Kevin loved teaching, working on his home (The Wolfarth House), baking, and improving his community.
Kevin always asked Bill, “What is going to be your Legacy”, and we now know what Kevin's legacy is and the whole community of Saginaw will benefit from his passion for this city.
Kevin is survived by his loving husband, Bill Ostash; siblings, Jeff (Gigi) Rooker and Cindy (Todd) O'Connor; nephew and nieces, Kyle (Randi) O'Connor, Nicole (Curtis) Brown, and Sara (Devin) Craves; eight great nieces and nephews; several cousins, colleagues, and dear friends.
Visitation will take place Friday, January 9, 2026, from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Fischer Family Funeral Home, 504 N. Michigan Avenue, Saginaw, Michigan 48602.
For those that can not make the visitation we will have a candlelight vigil on Thursday, January 8, at 6pm at Weadock park.
Memorials in honor of Kevin may be made to Great Lakes Bay PRIDE at www.greatlakesbaypride.org.
For information, please call Fischer Family Funeral Services at (989) 755-8277. To express your condolences and share your memories, please visit www.fischerfuneral.com
Events
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Photos
Memories
EW
Ebony Works
Classmate •
Mr. Rooker was one of my favorite teachers when I went to adult education in Carrollton I always respected him he ran a good classroom and he engaged with us. He had us watch The Schendliers List in class if it weren't for him I'd have never watched that movie. I remember his house on the corner it's the most beautiful house on the block full of colors and character just like him I'm 51 now but was in my early twenties when i met him. I still remember him after all those years. He did something with his life . He touched many in one way or another positively. That's the the way you want to leave this earth... having made a difference Mr. Rooker you made a difference.
SB
Scott Powell and Geoff Benson
Friend •
Geoff and I are heartbroken by the loss of Kevin, a fellow dedicated teacher and great man. Kevin‘s passion for education and his city; as well as his home and the love he shared with Bill is something we will always remember. It was an honor to be present and celebrate Bill and Kevin‘s marriage, and we know that Kevin‘s legacy will remain in our hearts and the lives of his students and fellow community members he touched over the years. It was an honor to know this man. We send love and condolences to Bill and Kevin’s family members.
MC
Mark Chwala
Friend •
Bill I was shocked to find out today about Kevin"s passing my deepest sympathy to you and Kevins family.
SS
Steve Shippy
Other •
Steve Shippy planted a Memorial Tree in honor of Kevin Mark Rooker.
BN
Barb Noyes-Stark
Other •
Bill, we were stunned to see the news about Kevin’s passing. I struggle to remember when I first met Kevin but I do remember that it was likely at a Christmas Progressive Dinner that included the Wolfarth House. John and I send out deepest sympathy to you. We will remember him fondly.
JK
Jacob Krenz
Other •
Jacob Krenz purchased the Red Rose And Lily Floor Basket for the family of Kevin Mark Rooker.