Gene Rogers

Mr. Gene P. Rogers, age 86, of Hoover, AL, passed away Tuesday, July 19, 2011. Gene was born October 23, 1924, in Wynne, AR. He attended schools in Kansas City, Waterloo, and graduated from Lincoln High School in Des Moines, Iowa. After a short stint at Drake University, Gene enlisted in the U. S. Coast Guard on his 18th birthday. While stationed in Curtis Bay, MD, he married Virginia Christian and shortly thereafter, was transferred to the Philippine Islands for the duration of his wartime duties. After receiving his discharge from the Coast Guard, he returned to Drake University and completed his BA and MS degrees on the GI Bill. He then taught school for 39 years at Lanyon, Maquoketa, and North, Tech and Lincoln High Schools in Des Moines, Iowa. He was privileged to serve as president of the Men's Gardens Club of Polk County, the North Central Region of the Men's Garden Clubs of America, the Polk County Historical Society and the Des Moines Audubon Society. After retiring, his main interests centered on gardening, nature, and completing studies in science, literature, music, and art. During his yearlong residence in Hoover, AL, he enjoyed time with his daughter and family. He also appreciated and enjoyed the beautiful spring flowers, the mild winters, and the kind and friendly people he met. He is preceded in death by his parents, Flora and L. P. Rogers, his beloved daughter, Susan, and his brother, Dr. Paul Rogers. He is survived by his loving wife, Virginia, his loved and devoted daughter, Sarah Ansorge, his son-in-law, Richard Ansorge, and his granddaughters, Kirsten and Rebecca Ansorge, all of Hoover, AL, and three sisters, Shirley Hull of Lombard, IL, Flora Foster of Ft Dodge, IA, and Martha Rogers of Davenport, IA. The family will receive friends Monday, July 25, 2011, from 1-3 PM at Currie-Jefferson Funeral Home.