Jack O. Rogers

Jack O. Rogers, 82, died on December 3, 2022, at his home in Belgrade, MT. Jack’s 24 year battle with prostate cancer made him one of the longest living survivors and was studied by several cancer centers in the United States.

Jack was born June 6, 1940, in Townsend, MT, a son of Heber O. Rogers and Gertrude Miller. He went to the first grade in Wisdom, MT. He and his family traveled and worked all over, moving 43 times by the time he was fourteen. Jack’s father worked for many cattle companies in Montana and Wyoming. They lived in many places in Montana, Oregon and Alaska. When he was 14, he moved back to the Gallatin Valley and graduated in 1958 with his beloved classmates from Bozeman Senior High School. Jack played football and was on the first wrestling team started by Coach Tom LeProwse. After graduation, he joined the U.S. Navy and traveled the world. Jack considered himself a “Sea Going Sailor” and was on five ships with eight deployments. One deployment was to the Mediterranean and five other deployments of Wespac cruises to Viet Nam. Jack was a FTM-1 (1st Class Petty Officer). He retired from the Navy in April of 1978 and came back with his family to Montana. Jack belonged to five different military societies and was a Plank Owner of the “Lone Sailor”.

Jack spent 23 years employed at the Bozeman Public School Dist. #7; working as a custodian at the Willson School and Emily Dickinson Elementary School. He took care of his beloved teachers and students. Jack was a fair-minded man and was a shop steward and budget negotiator for the custodians and cooks for many years.

Jack married Karen Townsend in December of 1964 in Bozeman, MT. For many years he loved to drive his wife, “Miss Daisy”, on ride abouts while Karen took many pictures for their yearly calendars for family and friends. He loved to play cards, and attended many sporting events at Bozeman and Belgrade High Schools.

Jack is preceded in death by his mother, Gertie; stepfather, Gaylord Huckins; father, Heber Rogers; brother, Jerry Rogers; father-in-law, Bill Townsend; mother-in-law, Marge Townsend; and grandparents, Emil and Mittie Miller.

Jack is survived by his wife, Karen, of Belgrade; sons, William “WTR” (Katrina) of Belgrade, and Bryon (Sheila) of Bozeman; grandchildren, Tom, Lori (Mason) Hanson, David, Harold, and Shoma (Melinda); five great-grandchildren; brother-in-law, Bill (Bev) Townsend; special nieces, Liz Townsend and Cathy (Bill) Rogers; nephew, Dan (Patty) and their children; grandnephew, Stu; dear uncle and aunt, Bob (aged 101) and Betty Miller; and numerous cousins, teachers, and friends.

Family and friends will gather for a special memorial service with Military Honors on Tuesday, June 6th, at 1:30 p.m. at Dry Creek Cemetery, Belgrade.