Raymond Eugene Rogers, 85 of Geneseo, passed away on November 1, 2024, surrounded by loved ones. A memorial service celebrating his life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, November 9, 2024, at First Lutheran Church. Reverend Laura Kamprath will officiate. Inurnment will follow at Oakwood Cemetery, Geneseo. A memorial visitation will be held from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. on Friday, November 8, 2024, at Vandemore Funeral Homes & Crematory – Geneseo Chapel. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Raymond Rogers Memorial Fund which will be distributed amongst Ray’s favorite charities.
Ray was born October 29, 1939, in Chicago, Illinois to MaryAnn Siembab and John Rogers. He graduated from Oak Park/River Forest High School in 1957. He then attended the Illinois Institute of Technology (ITT), graduating in 1962 with a bachelor’s degree. He received his master’s in education from Bradley University. He did advanced studies at the University of Missouri Columbia.
Ray was a creative and innovative teacher who made learning interesting and fun. He was active in many organizations, including IEA, GEA, Kiwanis, the Chess Club, and Scoutmaster for Troop 139, he was on the Board for the Geneseo Library, and was very active in the Richmond Hill Players.
Ray was thankful to the staff at Fresenius Kidney Care Silvis, especially Kate and Yesenia for their excellent care and support.
Ray was blessed with three children from a previous marriage, Brant Rogers, Brad Rogers, and Jodal Howlett. He married Kathleen Lozinski Hast in December of 1984, and gained four bonus children, Kimberly Stadler, RJ Coleman, Traci Gale, and Kristi McKissack.
Those left to cherish his memory include his loving wife Kathy, of Geneseo; Sister Jacqueline (Ted) Johnson of Palos Verdes, CA; Brant (Gretchen) Rogers of Snowflake, AZ; Brad (Lily) Rogers of California; Jodal Howlett of Fort Myers, FL; RJ (Judy) Coleman, Geneseo; Traci (Chris) Gale, Sitka, Alaska; Kristi (Dave) McKissack, Greenfield, WI, 11 grandchildren; and 7 great-grandchildren.
Ray was preceded in death by his parents, John and MaryAnn Rogers; and stepdaughter Kim Stadler.