Robert “Bob” Rodgers, 94, of Chatfield, Minn., died Tuesday, February 27, 2018, at Chosen Valley Care Center in Chatfield. Bob was born July 14, 1923, in Spokane, Wash., to William and Rhoda (Childs). At a young age his parents moved Bob, older brother Jack, and baby sister Betty to Winona by train. The family settled on a farm just outside of Chatfield, where Norman was born. Bob’s father died when he was six, leaving his mother to raise the family and run the farm. He attended the one room country school house near their farm and was never far from mischief as a boy. After a brief stint in North Dakota, Bob returned home to run the farm with his mother. He met Grace Groby at the Green Gables and the two dated after being introduced by his brother, Norman. They raised a wonderful family together — Dale, Ron, Duane and Debbie. He enjoyed time with his family, farming, hunting and fishing.
Bob was a hardworking man who never looked for a handout. A front page story about him was published in the Post Bulletin titled “Man of the Land.” Whenever he encountered a problem he solved it the same way — hard work and perseverance, a value he passed down to his children and grandchildren.
He is survived by his children, Dale (Carol) of Chatfield, Ron (Linda) of Anoka, Duane (Patti) of Skandia, Debbie (Rudy) Escobedo of St. Charles; grandchildren: Chris, Matt, Cassie, Bryan “Bry-Guy,” Phil, Ryan, Brennan, John, Dylan, and Amber; seven great-grandchildren and one on the way; brother Norman, and canine co-pilot, Molly. He is preceded in death by Grace, his loving wife of 69 years; siblings Jack, and Betty Holtegaard; and two infant brothers.
A visitation will be held 4-7 p.m., Friday, March 2 at Chatfield Lutheran Church and a funeral service at 11 a.m., Saturday, March 3, also at Chatfield Lutheran Church, with Pastor Nissa Peterson presiding. Interment at Chatfield Cemetery. Please leave a memory and view his tribute video at hofffuneral.com.