May 22, 1932-Sept. 11, 2011

McCOOK, Nebraska -- John "Jack" F. Rogers passed away Sunday, Sept. 11, 2011, at Hillcrest Nursing Home in McCook. He was 79 years old.

Jack was born on May 22, 1932, in McCook to Clarence Abner and Clara Orena (Tillery) Rogers. He graduated from McCook High School in 1950. He continued his education at the University of Nebraska and graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in Journalism.

 

He entered the United States Army Air Force on July 3, 1952 and served during the Korean War. He was honorably discharged on May 26, 1956.

Jack was united in marriage to Betty Koch in February of 1955 in Culbertson. She preceded him in death in 1973. He married Ida Faye (Hoskins) Wylie on July 19, 1974, in McCook and happily became the father of Ida's three children, Carla, Debby and Jerry.

Jack worked at the McCook Gazette as city editor and managing editor until his retirement in 1995. He continued to write guest editorials after his retirement. Jack served on the city council. He was instrumental in starting a newspaper for the residents of Willow Ridge while he resided there.

Jack was a huge sports enthusiast including the McCook Bison and Nebraska Huskers. He announced many sports events locally for KBRL as well as KFOR in Lincoln. Jack and Ida loved to travel both in the states and abroad. When they weren't traveling they loved to spend time with their children and grandchildren.

Preceding him in death were his parents, Clarence and Clara Rogers and wife, Betty Rogers.

Survivors include his wife, Ida Rogers, of McCook; children, Carla Thomsen and husband, Bruce, of Holdrege, Debby and husband, Winston Lafferty, of McCook and Jerry Wylie and wife, Terri, of Johnson Lake; brother, Rodney Rogers of Fairbanks, Alaska; sister, Pat and husband, Ivan Schmid, of McCook; six grandchildren and four great-grandchildren; numerous family and a host of friends.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be given to Memorial United Methodist Church.

Memorial services will be Thursday, Sept. 15, 2011, 1:30 p.m. at Memorial United Methodist Church with Rev. Lance Clay officiating. Inurnment will follow at Memorial Park Cemetery with military honors.

Carpenter Breland Funeral Home of McCook is in charge of the arrangements. Friends may send condolences to the family at www.carpenterbreland.com