Thomas Rodgers Sr. 1916-2005

RODGERS, NORTH, DURRELL, MONDT, GONELLA, MATHER

Posted By: David Hellwege (email)
Date: 9/27/2006 at 17:37:20

Thomas Dan Rodgers Sr., Ogden, 89, died Sunday, April 24, 2005, at the Israel Family Hospice House in Ames. Funeral services will be held 10:30 a.m. April 28, 2005, at the Carson Funeral Home in Ogden, with the Pastor Judy Winkelpleck officiating. Visitation will be 6-8 p.m. Wednesday, April 27, 2005. Burial will be at the Pilot Mound Cemetery.

Rodgers was born June 7, 1916, in Boone, the son of Samuel M. and Minnie (North) Rodgers. His father was killed in a train accident in June of 1919 and he moved with his mother to Pilot Mound, where she was employed as the telephone operator. She later married Charles E. Durrell who raised Rodgers as his own. He attended Pilot Mound School, graduating with the class of 1934. He attended the University of Iowa on a ROTC scholarship and was called to active duty in 1940. He served in the Pacific theater and was wounded in 1945 on the island of Okinawa. His awards included the Purple Heart, Bronze Star and Combat Infantryman's Badge in addition to other campaign ribbons and medals.

He was discharged from the Army in 1947 and returned to Pilot Mound where he was employed by Tornell Hardware until his appointment to the Pilot Mound Post Office as a rural mail carrier. He subsequently was appointed postmaster in Ogden, a position he held until his retirement in 1977. He operated a woodworking shop at his home doing custom and craft work for more than 20 years. He officiated high school football, baseball and basketball games for more than 30 years including state tournament assignments. He also was a musician and played for dances in the local area with the Riney Rinehart Band.

He belonged to the Groom-Kimsey American Legion Post #16 of Pilot Mound, he held many offices including Eighth District Commander and Department Vice Commander. He was a member of the Mirza Lodge #609 AF and AM, holding a Postmaster's Certificate. He served his community as a member of the Grand Community Board of Education for 11 years, nine as president. He also served on the Boone County Board of Education for two years.

He is survived by his wife of 65 years Mildred; Daughter Barbara and husband William Mondt of San Diego, Calif.; Two sons Thomas Dan Jr. "Tom" and wife Gail of Ogden; Charles Z. and wife Elia of Ogden; seven grandchildren, Karl and Laura Mondt, Susan Mondt and husband Antonio Gonella, Xann Rodgers Mather and husband Al, Dan Rodgers, Eric Rodgers, Charles "Manny" Rodgers; Three great-grandchildren, Sydney Mondt, Kelzi and Keaton Mather. He was preceded in death by his parents and stepfather.

In lieu of flowers the family suggests donation to Hospice of Central Iowa, Leonard A. Good Library 208 W. Mulberry St. Ogden, Iowa 50212 and the Ogden First Responders 513 W. Walnut St. Ogden, Iowa.

[Source: BNR via the WWW; originally published Apr. 7, 2005.]