Obituaries
William "Bill" Rogers
Wednesday March 10, 2010
William (Bill) Rogers died March 9, 2010 at Vanderbilt Hospital in Nashville after surviving 10 years with a critical heart condition.
Born May 14, 1943 in Sheldon, Wisconsin, Bill grew up on a farm and overcame Polio at 17 months old. He attended a one-room elementary school, and graduated from Tony High School in 1961. In addition to milking cows every day, he was active in Band, Wrestling, and Future Farmers of America.
At 18, Bill earned his teaching degree from Taylor County Teacher’s College in Medford, WI. While working at several jobs, he completed his bachelor’s degree from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire. Bill taught in Bruce, Exeland, Ripon, and Barron, WI. He served as principal and elementary coordinator as he finished his master’s degree at University of Wisconsin – Stout. Bill completed additional coursework in Superior and Madison, WI, and Fairbanks, AK.
At 29, Bill became the youngest school superintendent in Wisconsin at New Auburn. He then worked for Arkansaw and Elk Mound school districts before moving to Fairbanks, Alaska in 1979. Bill was principal at West Valley High School until 1983, and then principal at University Park Elementary until his retirement in 1995. During his tenure at University Park, he opened up a new school, and was awarded Alaska Principal of the Year in 1992.
Bill also served in several civic groups. He was a mission commander for Civil Air Patrol, worked with many state education committees, and was president of local Kiwanis, Parish Councils, and Lake Associations.
His hobbies included flying his airplane for 35 years, big game hunting, and rebuilding and restoring cars. His last restoration in 2006 was a Ford Model A, that he originally bought at age 10 for $5 and drove through high school.
Bill loved and valued his family and friends. He had a true gift for working with people of all ages. He particularly enjoyed spending quality time with his grandchildren since retiring.
Preceding him in death were his daughter, Laura; his brother, Robert; and his parents, Anne and Harry Rogers.
His survivors include his wife of 20 years, Ruth; three sons: Will (Teresa) and children Katie, Ashley, and William of Evans, GA, Peter (Meredith) and children Dawson and Bryn of Sartell, MN, and Jason of Fairbanks, AK; sisters Carole (Kerm) Morgan of Ladysmith, WI, Mary of Minneapolis, MN; four brothers: John (Jenni) of Ladysmith, WI, Mike of Oroville, CA, Dale (Kathy) of Sheldon, WI, and Jim of Madison, WI; and several nieces and nephews.
Bill’s funeral will be Saturday, March 13th at 11 a.m. in the chapel of Imes-Miller Funeral home in Murray, Kentucky. Rev. Brad Burns will officiate. Burial will follow in Elm Grove Cemetery. Visitation will be at the funeral home from 5 to 8 pm on Friday, March 12th. An additional service is being planned for Sheldon, Wisconsin.
Expressions of sympathy may be made to University Park Elementary School, Library or Computer Lab, 554 Loftus Road, Fairbanks, AK 99709 or Elm Grove Baptist Church, 6483 State Route 94 East, Murray, KY, 42071.
Friends may leave their condolences www.imesmiller.com .