William D. Rogers

William D. “Bill” Rogers

Oct 8, 1930 – Sep 19, 2017

William D. “Bill” Rogers, our beloved patriarch, died Tuesday, September 19, 2017 with his family by his side. It is the full body chuckle he is so known for, and the simultaneous smile/head-shake (indicative of the overwhelming pride and amazement he had for you and your life stories), that we will miss so dearly. To be blessed enough to have had this unbelievable man in your life meant you knew what it felt like to have a teacher, a coach, a mentor, a biggest fan, a positive influence, and the warmth of pure love as a part of you.

Bill’s path started on October 8, 1930 in Clyde, Kansas when he was born into the loving arms of Kenneth and Dena Rogers. He graduated from high school in Lewellen, Nebraska, and attended Wesleyan University in Lincoln, Nebraska. For three years, he proudly served in the US Army in Korea, returning home to graduate from Kearney State College with a BA and Master’s Degree in Education.

He married the love of his life, Beryl Botts, in 1955. They spent time in Comstock and Sumner, Nebraska, as well as Albuquerque, New Mexico, where Bill taught and coached at the high school level. Bill discovered his passion for school administration in Sidney, Nebraska, where he dedicated 24 years of his leadership. The immensity of his influence throughout these years was, and is, immeasurable. After retiring, he and Beryl lived (the glory years) in Mesa, Arizona for 10 years, then Kearney, Nebraska shortly, finally settling in Omaha in 2009, to enjoy their beloved children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Bill was a member of multiple professional and social organizations, constantly spreading his joy for life. As a strong believer in Christ, he served in many capacities with a tender humility and grace. Every person he ever met was touched and encouraged by his selfless nature. He was one of the very few in a lifetime that are truly worth emulating.

Survivors include his wife, Beryl; daughter, Cheri and husband, Doug Whitefoot of Omaha; son, Mark and wife, Beth Rogers of Omaha; grandchildren: Melissa and husband, Jerrold Brott, Matt and wife, Hayley Whitefoot, Jake Rogers, and Lauren Rogers; great-grandchildren: Dylan, Delaney, and Allyson Brott, and Jonah and Liam Whitefoot, all of Omaha. His brother, Jack and wife, Louise Rogers, live in Springfield, Missouri. He was preceded in death by his parents, Kenneth and Dena Rogers.

Billy, we will miss you so very much!  Thank you for being the man that you were, and the example to follow.

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MEMORIAL SERVICE Wednesday, Sept. 27th at 11am at the Bel Air Chapel of Heafey Hoffmann Dworak Cutler Mortuary, 12100 W. Center Rd. in Omaha.  Interment, Omaha National Cemetery.  Memorials are suggested to the American Cancer Society.  Interment with military honors at Omaha National Cemetery.

 

 

9 Comments

  • Stephanie Geiger-Dishman Posted September 21, 2017 10:17 pm

    I’m so sorry to hear of Mr. Roger’s passing. He was a wonderful man. My favorite at Central School in Sidney. I was so honored to be his “Secret Jobie”. My thoughts are with you.

  • Bob and Dee Roach Posted September 22, 2017 6:14 am

    Dear Beryl and families, we understand you stand in the throngs of loss for a loved one, a space to never be filled again, the dad! I’m so sorry, He will be missed but his suffering is over, little comfort today, But, oh to reflect on hubby, dad, and grandpa at the feet of Jesus, to be home…the song writers knew what they were talking about . I pray for His peace for you all. With love and sweet remembrances.

  • Lori (Bahr) Borchert Posted September 22, 2017 6:34 am

    Thoughts and prayers to the family. What a wonderful man. Remembering him from my days at Northward school. He touched my life with his kindness.

  • Rox Correll-Patten Posted September 22, 2017 8:42 am

    Mr. Rogers was a wonderful man, loved having as our principal at North Ward in Sidney. Always had a smile for everyone! Bless him and the family.

  • Cyrenna Folkerts Voycheske Posted September 22, 2017 9:31 am

    Mark, Wishing you peace to bring comfort, courage to face the days ahead and loving memories to forever hold in your hearts. Thoughts and prayers, Cyrenna Folkerts Voycheske

  • Mick Dickes Posted September 22, 2017 10:10 am

    So sorry to hear about Bill. He was a special person and a very special friend. To this day I think about some of our outings and still end up chuckling to myself. Beryl, yours and Bill’s friendship have and always will be special to me.

  • Kathy merritt Posted September 22, 2017 11:08 am

    Dear family what a wonderful man Bill was. My most enjoyable years of teaching were with him at Central in Sidney. He tought me more than any college course could. He was kind and caring and a joy to work with. Now he is at peace and will live with us through fond memories. Love and prayers to all of you. Peace be with You.

  • Judy and Dave Geiger Posted September 22, 2017 1:11 pm

    Beryl, Cheri and family, May the love of family and friends bring you peace and comfort. Bill had such a positive influence on so many lives. Caring thoughts are with you.

  • Lori Pippitt Wellman Posted September 24, 2017 7:21 pm

    I’m sorry to hear of Mr. Rogers passing. His enjoyment of education was evident and he touched so many of our lives. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.

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