Rogers Sr., Robert L.

Robert L. Rogers Sr., 76, of rural Iowa City, died Friday, March 11, 2011, at his home, surrounded by many of his family and friends. Funeral services will be held 10 a.m. Tuesday, March 15, at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church in Iowa City, with the Rev. Michael Phillips officiating. Burial will be at Memory Gardens Cemetery. Visitation will be from 3 to 7 p.m. today at Gay & Ciha Funeral and Cremation Service, where a Masonic memorial service will be at 7 p.m.

Robert Lawrence Rogers was born March 1, 1935, in Iowa City, the son of Lawrence and Emma (Neuzil) Rogers. He graduated from St. Mary's High School in Iowa City. On June 6, 1953, he was united in marriage to Marjory Hedges at St. Wenceslaus Church in Iowa City. Robert had been a lifetime farmer in this area, was a member of St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church, Masonic Lodge, and was a man who enjoyed life, his friends, and especially loved his family. That was what it was all about!

His family includes his wife, Marjory; children, Robert L. Jr. (Debra), Jerald and Kevin (Jayne), all of Iowa City, Lawrence (Denise) of Altoona, and Valli Griffin (Jerry) of Montpelier; grandchildren, Trenton (Tanya), Tyler (Jen), Thaddeus (Sarah), Travis (Katie), Jason (Maren), Brandon (Katie), Colton, Keaton, Kynsie, Kealie and Andy; great-grandchildren, Madison, Morgan, McKenna, Xander, Toryn, Kooper, Chloe and Emma; sisters-in-law, Mary Ann Campbell (Wayne) of Cosgrove and Ruth Coblentz of Riverside; many treasured nieces and nephews; and his trusted companion, “Dog.”

Bob was preceded in death by his parents; brother, James; sister, Elizabeth “Betty” Rogers; son, Richard Rogers; an infant granddaughter; and granddaughter, Brittany.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been set up to establish a scholarship in Bob's memory for young people to pursue a career in agriculture.

Online condolences may be sent for his family through the web at

Gay & Ciha Funeral and Cremation Service is caring for Bob's family and his services.