Bert Rogers

Bert Rogers, 97, passed away on January 6, 2022 at Agrace Hospice in Madison, Wisconsin. He was born on September 17, 1924 in Leavenworth, Kansas and was raised by Leroy and Anna Rogers in Madison, WI. Bert graduated from Madison West High School and also completed numerous courses at Madison Vocational, Technical & Adult School.

Bert served his country in the United States Navy from 1944 – 1946.  He married Mary Lou Hayter of Madison in 1948 and they raised four children in Madison and Oregon, WI.

He was employed at Madison Free Library, Nuclear Data, Midwestern University Research Assn., and developed two new businesses:  Rogers' Odd Chore Service and Research Unlimited.  Bert also worked at the University of Wisconsin Physical Sciences Laboratory.  He transferred to the UW Chemistry Dept. where he worked for 20 years until his retirement in 1987.

Bert was a loving father who shared his life skills and resilience with his children. His natural curiosity and adventurism was reflected in numerous interests and hobbies: organic gardening, domestic and farm animals, various musical instruments, flying lessons, electronics, computers, motorcycles, water sports, camping, and watching old westerns. He was a long-time member of Vic Tanny and Princeton Health clubs and participated in the Dane County Senior Olympic Games where he won several 1st place trophies.

Bert is survived by his children: Toni Rogers (David Kuklenski) of Las Cruces, NM; Bert L Rogers of Deming, NM; and Harold Rogers (Joyce) of Madison. He is also survived by 4 grandchildren: David J.  (Kyrstin) O'Brien of Madison, WI; Taylor Goldsby (Sandra) of Columbus, WI; Jenny Rogers of Denver, CO; and Casey Rogers (Lexi) of Greeley, CO; sister-in-law Brenda Dixon, great granddaughter Adrianna Goldsby and numerous nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.

Bert was preceded in death by his parents, daughter Annette Rogers (Goldsby), and infant son Thomas Rogers; brothers Charles Dixon, LeRoy Rogers, George Rogers; sisters Virginia Johnson, Margaret Brown and Margaret R. Johnson; long-time partner Kathy Kaap; and former spouse Mary Lou Sherrod. Visitation will be held at Cress Funeral Home from 10-11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, January 19, 2022. Service will follow visitation.