Jerry R. Rodgers

Jerry R. Rodgers, 85, of Hermann, MO, passed away Wednesday, May 29, 2024. Above all, his life was dedicated to his family and community service.

Jerry was born in Union, Missouri on February 16, 1939, the son of the late Kimball & Ruby (Quick) Rodgers. He was their first-born child and shared his growing up years with 2 younger sisters. His childhood was spent in Union, MO where he enjoyed many innovative vehicle related toys including a motorized bicycle that led to him becoming a lifelong motorcycle and car enthusiast. After graduating from Union High School and moving away from the Union area he maintained close ties with his childhood friends and family.

Jerry was united in marriage to Frances “Fran” (Cochman) Rodgers on July 11, 1959. Together they shared almost 30 years of marriage until Fran passed away on April 19, 1989.  

Jerry and Fran moved to Hermann around 1967 and quickly settled into the community while raising their 4 children. Jerry worked as a head meat cutter for Kroger Grocery Store for 43 years.  Throughout his career he worked at various stores including Union, Fredericktown, Hermann, and Warrenton. 

Jerry and Fran both had a profound commitment to community service. Jerry was a former member of the Hermann Area Jaycees and Hermann Lions Club where he spent many hours volunteering at Hermann festivals and special community events. He was also very involved with the Boy Scouts of America during the times when his 2 sons were members. He was passionate about Explorer Scouts helping older boys experience and perform high-adventure activities, service projects, and leadership to young Scouts. Jerry also served on the Hermann Industrial Park Planning committee and board from the time it was first established. Jerry was proud of his lifelong community involvement and accomplishments. In recent years he often enjoyed driving through the industrial park area to see how it has been maintained and expanded.  Jerry was also a proud long-time member of the Hermann area men's "Ham Breakfast Group".  

In his free time, Jerry enjoyed going to the racetrack to watch professional races, attending antique car shows, and motorcycle riding. Two of his most loved vehicles was an Indian Motorcycle and a 1977 red T-top Corvette. One of Jerry’s early hobbies was designing, building, and flying model airplanes. He also loved to travel and made sure that his children had at least an annual summer family vacation traveling and camping in various parts of the country.

Jerry enjoyed socializing with friends and acquaintances that included conversations while enjoying a “Herbie Burger” at Sharp Corner and occasional dancing. Jerry had the gift of gab with most everyone he met and had a unique dry sense of humor that was usually accompanied with a mischievous smile. His family has many of his cherished one-line comical phrases that will surely be passed down through generations. Most of all Jerry enjoyed spending time with his family and loved being part of his grandchildren and great-grandchild’s lives and antics.

Jerry is survived by a son, Dean Rodgers & wife Janet, of Hermann, Missouri; a daughter, Sherry Rodgers, of St. Peters, Missouri; a son, Chad Rodgers, of St. Peters, Missouri; a daughter, Jennifer Rogers & husband Mathew, of Ballwin, Missouri; two sisters, Jean Webb & husband Richard, of Union, Missouri; and Arlene Campbell & husband Wayne, of Washington, Missouri; two grandsons, Justin Rodgers & wife Sara, of Swiss, Missouri and Ingram Rogers, of Ballwin, Missouri; a great grandson, Wyatt Rodgers, and by many loved nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews.

When his time came, he carried himself with dignity, strength, and full of love for his family and those who went before him. Jerry will be deeply missed by his family but are blessed to have been a part of his rich and full life.

Visitation will be held Monday, June 3rd from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Toedtmann & Grosse Funeral Home, Hermann, where funeral services will be held Tuesday at 11:00 a.m., with Rev. Andy Wilson officiating.

Burial will be at Oak Haven Memorial Gardens, Hermann, Missouri.  Memorial donations may be given to Alzheimer's Association or Hermann Area Crusade Against Cancer.