John William Rogers, 82, of Shenandoah Iowa passed away at home with his family on October 1, 2025.
He was born in Hancock, Iowa on March 20, 1943, to William Samuel Rogers and Phyllis Lavene Harding Rogers. He was the youngest and turned out to be the orneriest of four children after his older sister, Karen, showed him the ropes. In his childhood he spent many hours fishing and exploring the area with his brother Lee and the neighborhood boys. He graduated from AvoHa High School in Avoca, Iowa in 1960.
After graduation he moved to California and lived with his sister Donna before enlisting in the Navy in 1961. He served on the USS Finch and USS Preble as an Aerographer’s Mate; providing weather forecasts, warnings, and environmental briefings to support military operations. While in the Navy he was part of Operation Dominic in 1962 which was a series of nuclear tests in the Pacific.
He was Honorably Discharged in 1964, moved back to Iowa, and began working with the Iowa Senate and supporting gubernatorial campaigns continuing his lifelong love of politics. In 1967 he was appointed as the postmaster in his hometown of Hancock, Iowa which started a 30-year postal career in Neola, Hancock and ending in Shenandoah. He was a member of the Iowa chapter of NAPUS for his entire career and served as an officer with the association. While living in Hancock he served as a volunteer fireman and was the City Treasurer for a time.
John married Linda McBride on May 24, 1969, in a lovely ceremony taking place at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Avoca, Iowa. They welcomed two daughters while in Hancock and a son after moving to Shenandoah. During their marriage they loved to spend time antiquing and traveling as well as helping Maher Van Syoc auctioneers and volunteering with Meals on Wheels. In his spare time John became Linda’s personal gardener and took great pride in his work.
John is survived by his wife of 56 years, Linda, and their three children; Alexi Rogers Hanson (Jacob Hanson) of David City NE; Megan Hollinger (Dennie Barker) of Des Moines IA and Michael Rogers of Shenandoah IA; two grandchildren, Elliott and Lindsey Hollinger; and his brother, Lee Rogers of Burbank WA. As well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. He is preceded in death by his parents, William and Phyllis Lavene Rogers; and two sisters, Donna Bolzendahl and Karen Brewer.
Services are pending at this time, under the Nishna Valley Funeral Home.
