Roger McGee

Roger McGee was known for his kindness, easygoing spirit and willingness to help with other people’s projects.

If he didn’t know how to fix it, “he knew a guy,” his daughter Ann Gentil said.

Mr. McGee, 74, of Wauwatosa, formerly of Fredonia, died Thursday, March 8.

He was born March 29, 1943, to Merle and Esther Atchison McGee in Wabasha, Minn. He was raised in Alma before the family moved to Fredonia in 1951.

Mr. McGee attended local schools and graduated from Port Washington High School.

On Nov. 4, 1971, he married Diane Bunevich.

For 35 years, he worked in construction on sheet metal. He also served in the National Guard.

What he learned at work allowed Mr. McGee to become a handyman. He fixed almost anything that broke at home, and his daughter said some of his best work was done on a stumpf fiddle, pinewood derby cars for her brother and a covered wagon replica to help her earn extra credit in fourth grade.

“Dad could build it and he could fix it,” his daughter said.

Mr. McGee enjoyed hunting trips up north with his family and fishing trips to Spring Lake or Lake Michigan. Later in life, he enjoyed golfing. The best part was breakfast with his buddies afterward, his daughter said.

He also enjoyed getting together with his cousins for their monthly dinners.

Mr. McGee is survived by his wife Diane McGee; children Scott (Donna) and Ann (Widdy) Gentil; grandchildren J.D. and Samantha; sisters Dolly Pederson of Jackson, Maxine Schwinn of Port Washington and Judy (Roger) Harms of Eleva; and mother-in-law of Florence Bunevich.

A Mass of Christian burial was held March 13 at St. Mary’s Visitation Catholic Parish in Elm Grove. Interment was at Good Hope Cemetery.

Memorials to the parish or Stars and Stripes Honor Flight are encouraged.

Schmidt and Bartelt Funeral Home handled arrangements.