John "Jack" Rogers

John S. Rogers, age 88, passed away peacefully on January 7, 2018 surrounded by his loving family. John was born in Appleton, Wisconsin on July 3, 1929 to William and Edna Rogers. John was united in marriage to Mary Niesz on September 30, 1961 sharing 45 years together. John was a lifelong resident of Appleton. He was a 30 year employee of the Appleton Fire Department, retiring in 1987.

John is survived by his children; son William (Sandra) Rogers of Appleton, daughters Anna (Joseph) Knuijt and Jane (David) Thorson, both of Appleton; grandchildren Austin (Haleigh) Thorson of Lake Geneva, Peter (special friend Kara Harrings) Thorson of DePere, Shawn Knuijt and Jacob Knuijt, both of Appleton; stepsister Betty Kieffer of Kaukauna, brother-in-law Joseph Niesz of Kaukauna, and sister-in-law Rosemary Niesz of Kaukauna. John is further survived by many nieces and nephews.

John was preceded in death by his wife Mary, his parents William and Edna Rogers, stepfather James Malliet, brother Thomas Rogers, sister Shirley Jeffers, stepsister Pat Brockman, sisters-in-law Arlene Rogers, Anna Hagany, Katherine Fink, Lillian Niesz, Ethel Niesz, Annette Niesz; brothers-in-law Dean Jeffers, Leo Hagany, Clem Fink, John Niesz, Jacob Niesz, and Michael Niesz; stepbrothers-in-law Gordon Brockman and Howard Kieffer; and nephew Michael Jeffers.

The Mass of Christian Burial for John will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, January 15, 2018 at St. Thomas More Catholic Church, 1810 N. McDonald Street, Appleton, WI with Rev. James Lucas officiating. Visitation will be at Valley Funeral Home on Sunday, January 14, 2018 from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. with a prayer service at 6:30 p.m. Visitation will continue on Monday at the church from 9:00 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. Following the Mass, City of Appleton Fire Department Honors and Full Military Honors will also be held at the church.

In lieu of other expressions of sympathy a memorial fund is being established.

John’s family would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to the staff of Thedacare Regional Medical Center - Appleton for their compassionate care in his final days.

Dad - Thank you for instilling in us your gifts of deep faith and love through your steadfast examples. We promise to carry on this witness until we meet again. Love; Bill, Ann, & Jane.

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