John A. Rogers, 75, of Winneconne, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, August 22, 2023, at home with his family by his side. John fought a courageous battle with small cell cancer and pulmonary fibrosis, but finally went to be with Jesus and the loved ones gone before him.

John was born on July 13, 1948, in Eau Claire to parents Clarence O. and Margaret Rogers. At the age of five, his family took a leap of faith to purchase a small print shop and local newspaper in the Village of Winneconne. Moving their four children to what they believed was “the friendliest place on earth”—a place where John remained his entire life, and contributed so richly to.

Growing up and attending the Winneconne Community School District, John worked tirelessly in the family business alongside his parents, and by the age of 14 was doing hours upon hours of linotype work for the newspaper, which was flourishing under the Rogers’ ownership.

After graduating from Winneconne High School in 1967, John met the love of his life, Lynn Pedersen, over the many summers she would come from Oshkosh to Winneconne and work at Disch Stables. The two were married on August 15, 1970, and shared 53 wonderful years together while raising their daughter Jenna and son Kevin, further blessed by five beautiful grandchildren.

In 1974, John purchased the printing company & newspaper from his parents, and worked that business devotedly for the remainder of his days. Of the local newspaper, John would often say, “We are here to keep our community vibrant and not deal in scandal or controversy.” As its publisher of 50 years, those principles remain today.

John’s integrity did not stop at his personal enterprises, however. He served his country in the U.S. Army Reserves from 1970-76. He further served his community as a member of the Village Board of Trustees from 1981 to 1999, and went on to become Village President, serving from 1999 to 2019, retiring his seat with a perfect record of attendance. John was also a member of the Winneconne Rotary Club, the Winneconne Area Chamber of Commerce, the Winneconne Masonic Lodge, the Winneconne Men’s Club, and the Oshkosh Elks Club—serving as president of many over the years.

John took special joy in boating, camping, hiking, motorcycling, playing cards, hunting at deer camp with his buddies, going on fishing trips to Canada, and of course being with family and friends.

John is survived by his wife Lynn; children Jenna (Curt) Stam and Kevin (Bobbie) Rogers; grandchildren Connor (Autumn), Parker and Nora Stam, Estella and Griffin Rogers; and sisters Virginia Rogers and Kris (David) Pohlman along with several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by parents Clarence and Margaret (Gilbertson) Rogers; sister Peggy (Rogers) Freund; brother-in-law Melvin Freund; mother-in-law Joan Stein; step father-in-law Guido Stein; father-in-law George Pedersen; and sister-in-law Sharon (Pedersen) Achterberg.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at Lord of the Lakes Lutheran Church, 6090 Harbour South (corner of Harbour South and Hwy 116), Winneconne, on Thursday, August 31. Visitation will be held from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. with a funeral service at 12:30 p.m., with Pastor Kevin Heffernan officiating. Military honors will follow. Burial will then take place at the Winneconne Cemetery.

The family would like to express its heartfelt appreciation to Dr. Thomas Klinkhammer and the ThedaCare At Home hospice staff, with a special thank you to RN Stacey and CNA Angie for their wonderful care, along with Mueller Funeral Home and Pastor Kevin Heffernan for their kind assistance.

John so loved the many visitors that came to see him, most especially his morning coffee group, the “Circle of Knowledge” whom he always delighted in seeing.

Mueller Funeral Home-Winneconne is assisting the family. If you wish, please submit online condolences to muellerfh.net.