ROCHELLE — Bernard “Ben” E. Rogers, 66, passed away Tuesday, Feb. 11, 2020 at UW Hospital in Madison, Wisconsin. Ben was born on Oct. 23, 1953 to Benny and Donna (Engstrom) Rogers in Ottumwa, Iowa. On Nov. 30, 1974, he married his soulmate Mary J. Esterday at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Rochelle.
Ben was a produce manager for 40 years. Many people will remember his smiling face in the Produce Department at Eagle Foods Supermarket where he was the manager for 33 years, three months and three days. After Eagles closed, he finished out his career at Jewel-Osco.
 Ben touched many lives and was a loyal friend. He had strong family values, which he imparted to his children and grandchildren. During his lifetime he shared his love of music, movies, do-it-yourself projects, and, of course, the Iowa Hawkeyes.
 Ben was proceeded in death by his mother, Donna Rogers; sister, Dawn Annette Rogers; and sister-in-law, Gail Rogers.
Ben is survived by his wife, Mary, of 45 years; father, Benny Rogers of Rochelle; four children, Adrienne (Seth) Stafford of Oregon, Natalie (Nate) Gordon of Dixon, Corrine (Dan) Kroger of Dubuque, Iowa, and Benjamin (Julia Nusbaum) Rogers of Milwaukee, Wisconsin; eight grandchildren, Austin Burkhart, Olivia Stafford, Elsie and Ian Gordon, Graden, Liam, Lillian and Graham Kroger with grandchild no. 9 on the way; four brothers, Bart (Connie) Rogers, Michael (Becky) Rogers, Mark Rogers and Matthew Rogers; sister, Michele (Albert) Gittleson; and many nieces and nephews.  
The visitation will be from 2 to 6 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 16 at the Unger-Horner Funeral Home, 400 N. Sixth St., Rochelle. The funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. on Monday, Feb. 17 at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, 236 Kelley Drive, Rochelle, with Father Romke officiating. Burial will follow the service at St. Patrick Cemetery in Rochelle.
Memorials may be made in Ben’s memory to the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation at https://app.mobilecause.com/vf/PFFTribute/BenRogers
Visit www.ungerhorner.com to sign the online guest book.