William W. (Bill) Rogers |
| Posted 2008-09-27 by Judy Wight Branson |
| Daily Courier, Prescott, Arizona Sunday, September 21, 2008 Dr. William W. Rogers died Thursday, Sept. 11, 2008, at the beautiful Prescott VA Hospice Care Center. Bill was born in Mishawaka, Ind., April 8, 1927, the son and only child of Dr. Wade D. Rogers and Garth Rogers, who preceded him in death in the mid-1900s. Bill proudly served his country as a 2nd Lt. in the U.S. Army. He served in WWII and the Korean War. He was a member of the VFW and American Legion in Tucson and Phoenix. Bill died just three months shy of his 60th anniversary for service and loyalty as a Master Mason to Freemasonry. He worked at Southern Pacific Railroad for 9 years and 10 months. Being raised in Tucson since the age of 7, he proudly attended and supported since graduating Tucson High and the University of Arizona. Bill’s Doctor of Dentistry was attained at the University of Indiana. Following graduation he opened his first dental office in Tucson. The next office was in Phoenix, adding a third in Scottsdale. Bill’s offices were among the first to advertise complete dental care and one-day service. Each office was equipped with a complete dental lab. Bill was always fortunate to pick a highly skilled staff. Mary (Perky) Perkins, his loyal loving friend and office manager, made all things run smoothly. As for hobbies, Bill acquired many trophies and plaques in his sports car racing days and showing off his Cessna 190 in many fly-in states. He was also into collecting sailboats and restoring older two-and four-wheel vehicles, on which he was a hands-on man. Bill also loved traveling with his family in the U.S. and Europe. Bill is survived by his loving wife Valerie, best friend and partner for 47 years; and their daughters, Cynthia C. Braun and husband Gregg and their five children, Laura, Maurine, Kirsten, Emily and Erick, all living in Milford, Mass.; and Cherri C. Stock and husband Pat, a true loving, caring son-in-law (24 years) through the good times and rough health times of his father-in-law’s life, and their only child, son Travis; and Cherri’s wonderful stepchildren, Holly Stock Papanikolas and Jason Stock; and great-grandchildren Halie and Alyssa Papanikolas and Keegan Stock. Bill’s son, David Valentine of California, is also a survivor; also Bill’s brothers and sisters-in-law in caring and sharing with love, David and Joan Vokac and Peter and Susie Vokac and their daughter Heather. Bill wanted to give thanks but was unable to speak the word about the great caring and help he received from all the doctors and nurses of the Prescott VA Medical Care Center. They and the hospital are truly great. Also, thanks to “Chopper,” loyal and protective friend of 13 years, in the hardest times of Bill’s life. Bill was a wonderful, fun, caring friend to all who knew him and are fortunate enough to hold the happy memories he gave in the good days. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in William W. Rogers’ name to NAVAHCS, the VA Medical Voluntary Service, Whipple Haven, Unit #9060 or VA Hospice Unit #9055, 500 Highway 89N, Prescott, AZ 86313. Rest in peace. Southlawn Mortuary and Cemetery, 5401 S. Park Ave., Tucson, AZ 85706; (520) 295-8407. Information provided by survivors. |
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