William “Bill” Rogers, 81, of Oneida, passed away peacefully with his family at his side on Wednesday, February 8, 2023 at the Knox County Nursing Home.
Bill was born on March 26, 1941 in Edmond Kansas. He was the son of Perry and Marcella (Kennard) Rogers. On June 6, 1965 in Edmond, Oklahoma, Bill married the love of his life, Ruth Ann Hagle. Together, they celebrated 55 years of marriage. She preceded him in death on December 12, 2020. Bill is survived by his son, Todd (Jennifer) Rogers of Galesburg. Along with his wife, he was preceded in death by his parents.
Bill attended grade school and junior high in Arcadia, OK. He was a graduate of Edmond High School. Bill then went on to receive his Bachelors of Science Degree in Industrial Arts and Math from Oklahoma Central State/University. He later went on to complete his Master’s Degree from Pittsburg State University, Kansas. Bill educated students on the subject of Industrial Arts for 30 years. He spent the first five years of his teaching career at Newton, Kansas. Bill and Ann would then move to Oneida where he spent the next 25 years teaching the Junior High Industrial Arts Program at ROWVA. Bill was a 54-year member of the United Church of Oneida. He was also a volunteer Fire Fighter for the Oneida Fire Department and a member of the Oneida Lions Club. After retirement, Bill worked for Jones Bros. in London Mills and for Otha-Swanson Construction in Altona. Bill was a master craftsman, enjoying woodworking, stain glass and metal work as well as helping anyone in the community with numerous odd jobs. He also had an extensive toy tractor collection. Most importantly, Bill’s family were his world. He was wonderful caretaker for Ann during her battle with Alzheimer’s.
Cremation rites will be accorded. Visitation will be from 4-6 PM on Friday, February 17, 2023 at Hurd-Hendricks Funeral Homes and Crematory, Oneida. A burial of cremated remains will be 10 AM on Saturday, February 18, 2023 at the Oneida Cemetery. Rev. Linda Baldwin will officiate. Hurd-Hendricks Funeral Homes and Crematory, Oneida have been entrusted with arrangements. Memorials may be made to OSF Hospice or to the United Church of Oneida. On-line condolences and/or expressions of sympathy may be sent through www.hurd-hendricksfuneralhome.com.