Donald Rogers

Donald Leroy Rogers was born sixth of twelve children in Finch, MT on February 27, 1934 to Frank and Beulah (Ferguson) Rogers, and passed away peacefully surrounded by family on October 31, 2017. He was affectionately known to friends and family as “Donny”. Don was raised on farms in Rosebud, MT and Custer, MT and attended school in both communities. He and his wife Lenore (Roan) Rogers were married on November 22, 1954. Don and Lenore have two children, Kim and Justin. Don began working on the Buise Ranch outside of Custer and continued to work on farms and ranches in the Custer and Sarpy areas for most of his working career. He also worked for the Burlington Northern Railroad and Manning International for short periods of time, and Don retired from the Rancher Ditch Company. Don lived his life with an unmatched work ethic and moral compass that set the example. His children and grandchildren have made mentioned they have modeled their life around the example Don provided. Don had the kindest of hearts, a most gentle demeanor, a thoughtful manner, and a very intelligent mechanically inclined mind. He could fix about anything and enjoyed the challenge of doing so. Don was inventive and although he never patented his ideas, you can see many products in retail stores today that he designed for his own use. He was very social and had so many friends that he loved and cherished. Don enjoyed fishing with family, in addition, his passions were: his 1970 Ford pickup, collecting Hesston belt buckles, coffee with his friends at the local café in Custer, and most of all, pulling pranks on friends and family members! His relationship with his family was most important to Don and he unconditionally loved, and was so very proud of his children and grandchildren. Don's pranks, sense of humor, contagious smile and laughter, and many stories will be truly missed by all that knew him. Don was preceded in death by his parents: Frank and Beulah Rogers and siblings: Bob Rogers, Bill Rogers, Mildred Dragoo, Bonita Greene, Janice Koch, Butch Rogers, and Jack Rogers. He is survived by his wife of 62 years: Lenore Rogers, Custer MT. Children: Kim (Stu) Wright, Coeur d Alene ID; Justin (Melessia) Rogers, Custer MT. Siblings: Betty (Jerry) Taylor; Judy Rogers; Bev (Sonny) Barta; Frank Rogers Jr. Grandchildren: Andy (Randi) Selle; Zane (Lacey) Selle; Jessica (Andrew) Bara and Ali Sandoval (Kyle Foutch); 8 great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. Don's life will be remembered and celebrated in a graveside service Saturday, November 11, 2017 at 1:30 pm at the Custer Cemetery in Custer, MT. A reception will follow at the Custer Congregational Church. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Junction City Memorial Park in Custer, MT.