Rochelle

Benny H. Rogers, 86, passed away peacefully Monday, July 6, 2020 at his home in Rochelle. Benny was born on July 9, 1933 to Seth Patterson and Isabelle (Reeves) Rogers in Albia, Iowa. On April 28, 1953, he married his kindergarten sweetheart and life long dancing partner, Donna Jean Engstrom in Albia. He served during the Korean War with the United States Marines. Benny worked for the Railroad, Swift and Rochelle City Hall. He had several hobbies which included camping, golfing, carpentry and playing cards. He enjoyed the many cookouts, pizza parties and breakfast with his grandkids.

In addition to his wife and parents, Benny is preceded in death by his son, Bernard Rogers on February 11, 2020; daughter, Dawn Rogers; daughter-in-law, Gail Rogers; six siblings: Billy, Dick, Freddy and Michael Rogers, Shirley Leahy and Claira Rogers; brothers-in-law: Robert "Ed" Griffin, Steve Sinnott, Bill Leahy, Barton Engstrom and Bill Engstrom; sisters-in-law, Beverly Rogers and Mary Engstrom and many great friends.

Benny is survived by five children: Barton (Connie) Rogers of Steward, IL, Michael (Becky) Rogers, Michele (Albert) Gittleson, Mark Rogers, and Matthew Rogers all of Rochelle; daughter-in-law, Mary Rogers of Ashton; three siblings: Kathyrn Griffin of MN, Tisha Sinnott of Albia, IA and Pat (Ann) Rogers of Venice, FL; 17 grandchildren: Adrienne (Seth) Stafford, Natalie (Nate) Gordon, Corrine (Dan) Kroger, Benjamin (Julia Nusbaum) Rogers, Anthony (Michelle) Rogers, Shawn (Phil) Naber, Erin (Dean) Smith, Tricia Gittleson, Jacob (Erica) Gittleson, Missy-Mike Gittleson, Seth (Stephenie) Gittleson, Mark Gittleson, Jessica Rogers, Tara (Mike) Schmitt, Danica Rogers, Mikaela (Mitch) Comstock and Tristan Rogers; 23 great grandchildren: Austin Burkhart, Olivia Stafford, Elsie and Ian Gordon, Liam, Graden, Lillian and Graham Kroger, Bennett Rogers, Braden and Alyse Rogers, Kayla, Ashley and Paige Naber, Lane Smith, Alexa, Karsen and Hattie Schmitt, Calvin Comstock, Ryder Stombaugh, and Zoe, Wren, and Sadie Gittleson; a hoard of many nieces and nephews, McDonald's morning breakfast club and the special casino friends.

Benny's family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff at Serenity Hospice and Home for the wonderful care of their father.

A memorial mass will be held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, August 22, 2020 at St. Patrick Catholic Church, 236 Kelley Drive, Rochelle with Father Jesus Dominguez officiating. Cremation care has been provided by the Unger-Horner Funeral Home. Memorials may be made in Benny's memory to Serenity Hospice and Home or to St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital.  Visit www.ungerhorner.com to sign the online guest book.