On February 13, 2016, after a valiant struggle against COPD, Jack Edward Rogers died peacefully in his sleep, at his daughter’s home, surrounded by loving family.
Jack was born January 6, 1931 in Brockport, New York, the first child of Norman Frank Rogers and Clara Mae Cramer Rogers. He was joined by brothers Jerry Lee Rogers on July 27, 1933 and Dick Raymond Rogers on February 1, 1935.
Jack spent the first few years of his life in Brockport, New York, along the banks of the Erie Canal. In 1937, his father, Norman, made an exploratory trip to Montana to see what possibilities there were for raising his young family in the wide open west. Finding conditions favorable, in 1938, Norman relocated the entire crew, first to Potomac, Montana, then moving once more Rimini, in 1939. It was here that Jack and his brother Dick learned to work hard, as there was always wood to split and stack. There was some fun with school and community picnics and the surrounding mountains to explore.
Jack first got his driver’s license at age 13, which enabled him to help his dad in his business, driving trucks over MacDonald Pass and beyond and back, hauling heavy loads of talc and other minerals. He quickly became an accomplished driver, being able to step through the gears better than others far older than he was.
Jack and his brother attended the one room school in Rimini until he was old enough to attend Helena High School in town. His drive was shortened considerably when Norm and Clara purchased the Broadwater Hotel property and moved the family there in 1948.
Jack met the love of his life while driving a float in the 1948 Vigilante Parade. One of the riders was a young lady named Sue Elizabeth Brunson, a year his junior. Jack’s heart was immediately and irretrievably stolen. Jack and Sue were married on June 27, 1951.
The couple was married for a year, when, in 1952, Jack enlisted in the Army, taking his basic training at San Luis Obispo, California. While he was in boot camp Sue gave birth to their first child, Victoria Lynn. Jack was able to meet his new daughter just before shipping out overseas.
Jack returned to Helena and civilian life in 1954 and daughter number two, Patricia Rose, joined the family that year. The third daughter, Linda May rounded out the family in 1957. Sue stayed home and raised her girls, while Jack worked hard to provide for them.
Jack was a lifetime member of Local 400 of the International Union of Operating Engineers, working in the construction industry. He was expert in operating and maintaining a wide variety of heavy machinery – dump trucks, bulldozers, front end loaders, road graders, power shovels and his specialty, cranes. Jack worked on several important projects, such as the construction of Interstate 15 through Wolf Creek Canyon, Canyon Ferry Dam, the Montana State Prison, gold and talc mining, fighting fires in summers, and was involved in construction and sometimes demolition of local buildings.
With the girls grown and on their own, Jack and Sue worked together to fulfill her dream of having her own second hand store. Sue is remembered for opening and running SuJak’s Etc. Shop. Sue’s unexpected death at the age of 58 on November 18, 1990 cut short their plans for a future of traveling, spoiling grandkids and enjoying life together.
Jack never got over the loss of his beloved wife but continued to travel on his own, including trips to Alaska, Minnesota, Florida, a trip back to Brockport and a cruise up the Ohio River aboard the Delta Queen.
In his later years, Jack enjoyed visiting with the good folks at the Red Garter. Jack also enjoyed spending time with his lifelong buddy, Henry (Hank) Cramer of Helena, who would stop by every morning at 6 to slurp Jack’s coffee, read the paper and occasionally take a morning nap.
Jack lived independently until November 2015, when the mounting toll of COPD forced the girls to move him to his youngest daughter’s home in Montana City. There, he received love and care from Jeff and Linda, including good, home cooked meals and a warm fire to sit in front of while he read Westerns.
Jack was preceded in death by his beloved wife Sue, his parents Norman and Clara Rogers, brothers Jerry and Dick Rogers, sister-in-law Lorraine Rogers, former son-in-law Greg “Groucho” Marcil and grandson Justin (JJ) Pope.
Jack left behind a loving family including daughters Vickie Pope (Richard) and Patty Marcil of Helena and Linda Kindrick (Jeff) of Montana City, grandchildren Ricky Pope and Andrew Marcil of Helena, Monica Marcil of Jersey City, NJ, Kevin Kindrick and Brenna Violett (Mitch) of Seattle and great-grandchildren Cody Marcil of Helena and Liam Kindrick and Madelyn (Maddie) Violett (soon to have a sibling) of Seattle. Also surviving are niece Marla Rogers of Helena and nephew Stan Rogers (Cheri) of Gillette, WY and their sons Francis and Joey. There are also many cousins near and far.
The family is forever grateful for the team at Rocky Mountain Hospice for the care they gave to Jack and the support they provided to the family. Most especially we want to thank his favorite hospice nurse Millissa and CNA Jessie. Thanks also go to Dr. Karen Cody and her team at the VA. They worked hard to ensure he received the best care possible to help him live with his COPD. The girls are also thankful for Donna Amaro of Big Sky Cremations & Twitchell Funeral for her help in making the final arrangements.
Military services are set for 1:00pm, Wednesday, March 30, 2016 at the VA Cemetery, where his cremains will be interred. A gathering and celebration of life will follow at Fiesta Mexicana, 1600 Prospect Avenue at 2:30 p.m. Join friends and family to celebrate not only dad’s life, but mom’s, and all they were to us girls.
Stories and memories may also be shared at www.helenafunerals.com/obituaries/Jack-Rogers-7.
In lieu of flowers, donations are preferred to go to Rocky Mountain Hospice, 1075 North Rodney Street, #102, Helena 59601.
Thank you dad for all you did for your girls. Give mom a big hug and kiss from each one of us!
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Williams Family says
Condolences to the Rogers family. Our thoughts and prayers go out to your whole family. Psalms 147:3 says God, “heals the broken hearted, and binds up their wounds.” May God bring you comfort and peace.
Linda Kindrick says
Thank you! We appreciate your kinds words. Linda Kindrick (the youngest)
Vickie Pope says
Thanks from the eldest daughter. We look forward to meeting some of Dads friends and sharing stories.
Margaret Stockdale Brun says
Patti and I were in high school together. I so vividly remember the Halloween party at your house where your dad dressed up in a tiger costume he had. We had so much fun. I certainly won’t forget your mom and dad. Many prayers and hugs sent to all of you. May you be at peace just as your parents are now. Margaret Stockdale Brun.