William D. Bill Rogers

William "Bill" D. Rogers, age 83 of LaFarge and formerly of Hinsdale, Illinois, died on Thursday, March 15, 2007 William "Bill" D. Rogers, age 83 of LaFarge and formerly of Hinsdale, Illinois, died on Thursday, March 15, 2007 at the Vernon Memorial Hospital in Viroqua, Wisconsin. Bill was born July 4, 1923 in Oak Park, Illinois to George and Maud (Hunt) Rogers. He spent most of his childhood in Wheaton, IL where he graduated from Wheaton High School in 1940. During WWII he served as a P-51 fighter pilot in the Army Air Corps flying 65 combat missions in the European Theatre from D-Day to Mid-November, 1944. He was awarded with the Distinguished Flying Cross. After the war, Bill attended the University of California in Berkley for a pre-dental curriculum. He entered Loyola Dental School in Chicago in 1947. In 1948, he married Bonnie Grosser. He graduated from dental school in 1951 and began his 35-year dental practice in River Forest, IL. Bill was a member of the Illinois Air National Guard for many years, first as a pilot and later as the dental officer. He retired from the military as a Lt. Col. Bill and Bonnie lived in Hinsdale, IL where they raised their four children. In 1972 they purchased land in SW Wisconsin near LaFarge and in 1984 they moved to Wisconsin full time. Bill realized his dream of building their log home. He and Bonnie did much of the work themselves. Using his Woodmizer portable sawmill, Bill cut lumber from his woods for cabinets, paneling, floors, and trim. He loved his tree farm over-looking the beautiful Kickapoo Valley. Bill was a member of the North Presbyterian Church in LaCrosse. He was a charter member of the LaCrosse Area Jazz Society. He belonged to several woodland owners groups such as the Bad Axe Woodland owners chapter of Wisconsin Woodland Owners Association, the Kickapoo Woodland Cooperative and the Wisconsin Tree Farm System. He loved music, especially Jazz, flying, sailing, R.V.ing and woodworking in his shop. He was preceded in death by his parents and his older brother, George H. Rogers Jr. He is survived by his wife of 58 1/2 years, Bonnie; son, Steven (Marilyn) Rogers of Austin, Texas; daughter, Laurie Rogers (Jeff Bernardy) and grandchildren, Travis and Erin Bernardy of Dakota, Minnesota; son, Thomas (Cindy) Rogers and granddaughters, Karla and Valerie of Peoria, Arizona; son, Rick (Phyllis) Rogers and granddaughters, Heidi and Emily of Anchorage, Alaska; his sister, Jean (William) Shields of Red Oak, Iowa; sister-in-law, Marie Rogers of Bonsall, California; sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Jean and Wayne Smith of Birmingham, Alabama; sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Lois and William Rex of Seattle, Washington; many nieces, nephews, cousins and a host of friends. Bill will be remembered as a friendly, loving man who was spontaneous and adventuresome, full of fun, always ready to enjoy his family and friends and be hospitable to guests at any time. He was a wonderful devoted husband, much loved father, grandfather and loyal friend to many. Bill chose to be cremated. His family will plan a memorial service at a later date. The Vosseteig Funeral Home is serving the family.