Hallelujah, Hallelujah! Monte R. Rogers was lifted from this earthly world and joined the Lord in His heavenly home on Thursday, September 21, 2023.
Monte was born to Clarence and Sylvia (Mitchem) Rogers on July 6, 1927. Monte was one of six children born to this union which included siblings: Gloria, Bud (Clarence Jr.), Ed, Marilyn, and Joanne. The family lived in McCook and then in Kearney for a time while his father recovered from tuberculosis. Monte attended school through the eighth grade in McCook. He was soon drafted into the United States Army in 1945. He served most of his time in Germany where he worked and taught orphan youngsters. His best memory of this time was that he had taught kids “how to play ball!” He also was a driver for the officers at the base.
After his discharge, he returned to the States where he worked at the McCook Ice Plant, then a stint in Gillette, Wyoming in road construction and working in the coal fields. It was when he returned to Nebraska that he worked for the Nebraska Highway Department near Palisade, Nebraska that he met Alberta Shrefler who lived in Palisade. Their romance blossomed and they were married on November 27, 1948. They welcomed two sons soon after, Richard “Dick” and Gary. They resided in the Victory Addition in northwest McCook.
Monte learned the art of painting when he worked for Leo Stevens Painting Company. His brother, Ed, and Monte soon established a partnership, Rogers Brothers Painting and Wallpapering. This company evolved into Monte Rogers and Sons Painting when his two sons joined the business in the 1960s. Monte was always up for new challenges. He began an Air-Lok manufacturing company where he and his son, Dick, custom-built windows and storm doors. He also ventured into patio coverings, roofing, and siding. Monte needed to stay busy, so in his later years, he established a fleet of rentals. Monte worked his entire life until he finally retired in 2013.
Monte enjoyed spending time at the lake on his pontoon boats and with his camper. He also enjoyed trips around the United States, including Southa Dakota, Texas, and Hawaii. He was the best gardener, growing ample produce and sharing it with family and friends. Having a nice home and a beautiful yard were important to Monte.
Monte belonged to the McCook Art Guild and was a gifted painter. He enjoyed being there and sharing his talents with others. Music was also a passion for Monte. He was a self-learned and accomplished musician that included the guitar, steel guitar, harmonica, violin, and singing vocals. In his later years, he travelled to the area retirement homes and nursing homes, performing gospel music for the residents. Many times, he had a band, and they would travel with him. The smiles he brought to the others were priceless. He attended music festivals in the area, often as a participant. Later, Monte added another dimension to his life; he developed an interest in golf and enjoyed a good round with anyone that wanted to play.
The love of the lord was most prevalent in Monte’s entire life. He grew up in the Seventh Day Adventist Church and served as an Elder, Deacon, and Conference Board Member. Sabbath was most important to Monte, and he observed it fully. His belief in the Lord never wavered and he demonstrated it daily in his life. Monte always had a ready smile and an ear for listening. He enjoyed humor. He definitely could hold his end of the conversation. Monte enjoyed being a Husband, Dad, and Grandpa in his family.
After Alberta’s passing in 2000, Monte later met and married Marlene Snyder on January 5, 2002.
He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Alberta; and siblings, Gloria, Bud, Ed, and Marilyn.
Monte leaves behind his wife, Marlene; and his two sons, Richard (Peggy) of McCook and Gary (Kathy) of Kearney; his grandchildren: Shostal (Brandi) of Grand Island, Nicholas of McCook, Matthew (Sara) of Denver, Colorado, and Lisa (James) O’Brien of Newman Grove, Nebraska; his great-grandchildren include: Kade, Jace, and Duke Rogers, still at home in Denver, and Kenzie, James, Lukas, and Madeline O’Brien, still at home in Newman Grove; he is also survived by his sister Joanne Patrick of Manderson, Wyoming. Monte also has a host of nephews and nieces, cousins, and dear friends that will miss him also.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, September 28, 2023 from 10AM-5PM and Herrmann-Jones Funeral Chapel in McCook.