Kristopher Dan Rodgers

1978 - 2008

Kristopher Dan Rodgers

1978 - 2008

BORN

1978

DIED

2008

Kristopher Rodgers Obituary

Published by Hackman Family Funeral Homes - Rosenberg Chapel on Aug. 20, 2008.
STAFF SERGEANT KRISTOPHER DAN RODGERS age 29 of Burr Oak, Michigan and formerly of Howe, Indiana and a graduate of Lakeland High School in LaGrange, Indiana with the class of 1998 was killed Saturday August 16, 2008 in Korengal Valley, Afghanistan while serving his country with the U.S. Army.

He was born December 29, 1978 in LaGrange, Indiana a son to Danny & Kathryn (Smith) Rodgers.

Kristopher had resided in Howe, Indiana most of his life. On October 2, 1999 he married Selina Schroeder in Three Rivers, Michigan.

He had served in the U.S. Army for the past eight years. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 26^th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, Fort Hood, Texas.

Kristopher had a true passion and love of football and was a fan of the Chicago Bears and the Notre Dame Fighting Irish. He was also a fan of the Detroit Red Wings and enjoyed food, fishing and playing golf.
Kristopher had many interests and hobbies but his number one concern and love in his life was his family.

He is survived by his loving wife Selina, 3 ½ year old son; Kaden Dan Rodgers, Mother; Kathryn (Dennis) Wiard of Howe, Indiana, Step-Sister; Rachel Wiard of Sturgis, Step-Brother; Joshua Wiard of Burr Oak, Grandmothers; Vivian Smith of Shipshewana, Indiana and Rose Hinkleman of Adrian, Michigan, Mother-in-law; Cheryl (Pat) Evans of Three Rivers, Father-in-law; Douglas (Julie) Schroeder of Burr Oak, Sisters-in-law; Jane;; (her fiancée Richie Ultz) Reaper of Burr Oak, Hazel (Jacob) Shingledecker of Three Rivers, Jennifer Kurtz of Chicago, Charity Kurtz of Chicago and Haruka (Jason) Griffith of Burr Oak and many nieces and nephews.

His father, Grandfathers; James Smith and Bill Rodgers and brother-in-law; Shaun Reaper preceded him in death.

The family will receive friends from 6:00-8:00 P.M. Thursday August 28th and 2:00-4:00 & 6:00-8:00 P.M. Friday August 29th at the Hackman Family Funeral Homes, Rosenberg Chapel, 807 E. Chicago Rd., Sturgis.
Funeral services celebrating and honoring the life of Kristopher Dan Rodgers will be held at 1:00 P.M. Saturday August 30^th at the Sturgis Wesleyan Church, 907 N. Nottawa Rd., Sturgis, MI. The Rev. Kevin Terrell of the Temple Baptist Church of Three Rivers and Chaplin of the U.S.
Army will officiate. Following the service a final committal and full military rites will be conferred at Lakeland High School Football Stadium in LaGrange, Indiana. In accordance with his wishes cremation will follow all services.

Memorial donations would be appreciated to the family for Kaden and Selina’s future needs c/o: Selina Rodgers, 110 S. Third St., Burr Oak, MI 49030. Envelopes are available at the funeral home.

The obituary is also at www.Legacy.com .

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Sign Kristopher Rodgers's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

August 17, 2013

Joy Berends posted to the memorial.

August 16, 2013

AJ posted to the memorial.

July 21, 2013

Shawnne Springman posted to the memorial.

Joy Berends

August 17, 2013

How difficult anniversaries must be. Thank-you again for Sst Rodgers' service and your sacrifice.

May the Lord continue to comfort you.

AJ

August 16, 2013

We won't forget!

Shawnne Springman

July 21, 2013

Ssgt Rodger I'll never forget u brother. The war for u is finally over, rest peacefully...I miss you Kris!

Joy Berends

August 17, 2012

Thank-you again for Kristopher's service and your sacrifice.

May the Lord continue to comfort you.

Peggy Childers

August 16, 2011

To the family and friends of Staff Sgt. Kristopher Rodgers:
Please accept my remembrance of Kristopher on the anniversary of his passing and know that he will never be forgotten.

Peggy Childers

August 16, 2010

To the family and friends of Staff Sgt. Kristopher Rodgers:
Remembering Kristopher on the anniversary of his passing. May our fallen heroes never be forgotten!
Peggy Childers
"Don't Let The Memory Of Them Drift Away"
www.IraqWarHeroes.org

Peggy Childers

August 16, 2009

To the family of Staff Sgt. Kristopher Rodgers:
Kristopher gave the ultimate sacrifice and will be held in the hearts of Americans forever. I cannot and will not let our fallen heroes be forgotten. My deepest sympathy to you. "Some gave all."
Peggy Childers
"Don't Let The Memory Of Them Drift Away"
www.IraqWarHeroes.org

debbi

July 18, 2009

Kristopher, soon it will be a year that you will have left God's earth for higher ground. The death of a child is something you never get over so please let your parents know that you are now ok. God has a way of giving us signs when we're still and I pray that God has allowed those signs to come to your parents and family. As a Gold Star Mother I know the pain of the death of a child. I also know that it's not the death we remember but the life you lived and loved. May that life be celebrated and remembered forever.

Your parents aren't alone and there are many who are there for them. If they ever want to talk to others who have gone through the death of a child or loved one in active duty please do contact me.

May God continue to provide His love and comfort to your family and friends.

http://goldstarfamilysupportgroup.com

In memory of my son
SPC Harry (Buck) Winkler III
KIA 11/12/2006 Samarra, Iraq
CO-A 2/505th PIR 82nd Airborne

Tom Gugliuzza-Smith

January 8, 2009

My heartfelt sympathy to the Rodgers family and friends in the loss of Kristopher. I did not know Kristopher, but my heart is broken and I am saddened for your loss of such a fine young person and hero. May God bring you peace in your heart as you reflect on all the wonderful memories you hold so close. Please know that you are in my heart and prayers. My heart was touched by the many wonderful/beautiful things written about you. Kristopher you are my hero and you will NEVER be forgotten.
I send each of you a hug from the most inner part of my heart.
Love and Peace
Tom

"TO LIVE IN THE HEARTS
OF THOSE YOU LEAVE BEHIND
IS NEVER TO DIE"
~Robert Orr~

Kenna Larra

December 19, 2008

We love our Soldiers! We love our country and we cannot express enough love and compassion to the families at this time. This is a Nonprofit Organization to honor are Soldiers!
FREE OIL ON CANVAS PAINTING OF THIS HERO. COMPLETE FORM AT WWW.HEROPAINTINGS.COM
Please contact us! Contact us directly at [email protected] or go to www.heropaintings.com. If you have already had a portrait completed, we pray that you are enjoying the portrait and God Bless You.
Sincerely,
Kenna

In Memory of Kristopher ~ (Debra Estep)

November 24, 2008

Holding you all in my thoughts and prayers.


The Wind on The Downs

“I like to think of you as brown and tall,
As strong and living as you used to be,
In khaki tunic, Sam Brown belt and all,
And standing there and laughing down at me.
Because they tell me, dear, that you are dead,
Because I can no longer see your face,
You have not died, it is not true, instead
You seek adventure in some other place.
That you are round about me, I believe;
I hear you laughing as you used to do,
Yet loving all the things I think of you;
And knowing you are happy, should I grieve?
You follow and are watchful where I go.”

(Written by Marian Allen during World War l )

Two lines that I wish you to keep near your heart…….

“You seek adventure in some other place.
That you are round about me, I believe”


I did not know Kristopher, but I am remembering
his service and sacrifice. He is my hero. !

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

The Other Side

i'm over on the other side
where life and death softly divide.
left my skin and bones behind
now i'm over on the other side.

can you feel me there with you?
my breath is gone but i'm not through.
loved you then and i still do
from over on the other side.

i can fly. really fly.
below the earth ... all through the sky.
tell em all i did not die.
i'm just over on the other side.

it's good here on the other side.
the sweetest songs...the bluest skies.
thank you for the tears you cried
but it's good here on the other side.

i can fly. really fly. below the earth...all through the sky.
tell em all i did not die.
i'm just over on the other side

the world is smaller than a needle's eye.
where life and death softly divide.
when you leave your skin and bones behind
i'll be waiting on the other side.

i can fly. really fly. below the earth ... all through the sky.
go tell em all i did not die.
i'm just over on the other side.

Song lyrics by Don Conoscenti
C Desert Muse/SESAC
www.donconoscenti.com
(Used with permission)

“I hope it brings great comfort to any and all.
Peace on you. DonCon” 4-2008


The Other Side –
(To hear the song)
http://tinyurl.com/3o8gol



Sincerely,

Deb Estep ~ Ohio
Proud Air Force Mom SSgt Vince – Lackland AFB
Proud Air Force MIL SrA Dana – Randolph AFB

Remembering The Fallen – Blog
http://tinyurl.com/3z8p55

Angel and soldier drawing I have shared here.
http://tinyurl.com/6gey8b

Trena Smith

October 22, 2008

I didn't know Staff Sgt. Rodgers. His heroism was second to none. I pray for the family. Always know that Kristopher is watching over you for he is God's chosen angel.

God bless the family.

Priest/Hammond Family

October 10, 2008

We are from the town of Sturgis. You are a hero to my kids! We never knew you or what you and your family went through but their lil hearts are praying for your family and BOY as my daughter says.....Its terrible she once what would I do without my daddy???? Aww how I feel Wife and MOM.....Your day of Honor was breath taking we wern't in the church but one of the many bystanders...Our town is a Great Town and Im sure you were looking down and seen how very Proud you have done THE USA>>>>>>>Not Just STURGIS!

SHIRLEY DONEY

September 11, 2008

REST IN PEACE STAFF SGT. RODGERS, TO YOUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS MAY THE MEMORIES OF THIS WONDERFUL SOLDIERS LIFE FILL YOUR HEARTS WITH BEAUTIFUL MEMORIES
GOD BLESS YOU

RIP PFC Aaron J. Ward 4/28/89 - 5/6/08 (KIA)

Gary Tolle

September 8, 2008

Kristopher, I just wanted to say thank you for your brave and honorable service to a grateful nation, a nation in mourning for our fallen hero’s. You like so many other soldiers chose to serve our nation when needed most and with your life you protected the very core of what America stands for. My nephew PFC Aaron J. Ward also made that sacrifice on 5/6/2008 when he was killed in action in Iraq. As I mourn for my nephew I mourn for you and so many other brave soldiers and know that you all will forever be in my thoughts and prayers, we as a nation will never forget you. I stand tall and salute you Kristopher and from the bottom of my heart I thank you for the nights we at home could sleep without fear and know that we are safe. To the Rodgers family, words cannot express the pain we now share, but our families will forever have a bond and we will be thinking of Kristopher and your family and will keep you in our thoughts & prayers. Please accept my heart felt condolences and my prayer that god help you cope with this tragic loss and may the memories of your HERO carry you through each day. From one Gold Star family to another!

September 7, 2008

To the family and loved one of Staff Sgt Rodgers. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Even though we have never met he has be in my prayers daily. I have been praying for all our men in Afghanistan since May when my own son went back to Afghanistan for his 2nd tour. May God hold you tightly in His arms, and you know you are never alone. Sgt Rodgers is a true American Hero.
May you feel Gods Blessings and Strength
(Freeland Michingan)

Stephanie Rafoss

September 3, 2008

Prayer for Peace

Lord, make me an instrument of your peace;
Where there is hatred, let me sow love;
Where there is injury, pardon;
Where there is doubt, faith;
Where there is despair, hope;
Where there is darkness, light;
And where there is sadness, joy.

O Divine Master,
Grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console;
To be understood, as to understand;
To be loved, as to love;
For it is in giving that we receive,
It is in pardoning that we are pardoned,
And it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.

Amen

September 2, 2008

Staff Sgt. Rodgers we never met and from everything I have heard and the amount of people that gathered in this small town I am the one that missed out. God Bless. Thank you for all your sacrifices.

To the family my heart and prayers are with you.

Joy Berends

September 2, 2008

My sympathy and prayers go out to the family and friends of Staff Sgt. Rodgers. May the Lord comfort you during this very difficult time.

September 1, 2008

Kristopher was a true hero. You can be very proud of his service to our country. Sending our thoughts and prayers.

Karen Ochampaugh

September 1, 2008

Selena and family - Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult loss. Kris' military service & sacrifice for this country is true heroism.

Meadow Woodman

August 31, 2008

SELINA WE ARE SO SORRY FOR KADENS AND YOUR LOSS WE ARE HERE FOR YOU FOREVER WHAT EVER IT MIGHT BE JUST ASK WELL HELP YOU BOTH WE WILL ALL MISS KRIS VERY MUCH.

Betty Frye

August 31, 2008

To the Rodgers family,

I know there are no words to say, except how sorry I am for your loss. May you hold Kristophers' memory in your heart and please remember he shall never be forgotten.
Please accept my condolences for the great loss of an American hero, your hero and mine. Even though I never met Staff Sergeant Rodgers, I will never forget the ultimate sacrifice he gave for my freedom.
May God bless you and strengthen you in this time of loss.
PAFM of A1C James Sheppard AFB
Betty Frye

In Memory of Kristopher ~ (Debra Estep)

Debra Estep (Aleandri)

August 31, 2008

Holding you all in my thoughts and prayers.


The Wind on The Downs

“I like to think of you as brown and tall,
As strong and living as you used to be,
In khaki tunic, Sam Brown belt and all,
And standing there and laughing down at me.
Because they tell me, dear, that you are dead,
Because I can no longer see your face,
You have not died, it is not true, instead
You seek adventure in some other place.
That you are round about me, I believe;
I hear you laughing as you used to do,
Yet loving all the things I think of you;
And knowing you are happy, should I grieve?
You follow and are watchful where I go.”

(Written by Marian Allen during World War l )

Two lines that I wish you to keep near your heart…….

“You seek adventure in some other place.
That you are round about me, I believe”


I did not know Kristopher, but I am remembering
his service. He is my hero. !

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

The Other Side

i'm over on the other side
where life and death softly divide.
left my skin and bones behind
now i'm over on the other side.

can you feel me there with you?
my breath is gone but i'm not through.
loved you then and i still do
from over on the other side.

i can fly. really fly.
below the earth ... all through the sky.
tell em all i did not die.
i'm just over on the other side.

it's good here on the other side.
the sweetest songs...the bluest skies.
thank you for the tears you cried
but it's good here on the other side.

i can fly. really fly. below the earth...all through the sky.
tell em all i did not die.
i'm just over on the other side

the world is smaller than a needle's eye.
where life and death softly divide.
when you leave your skin and bones behind
i'll be waiting on the other side.

i can fly. really fly. below the earth ... all through the sky.
go tell em all i did not die.
i'm just over on the other side.

Song lyrics by Don Conoscenti
C Desert Muse/SESAC
www.donconoscenti.com
(Used with permission)

“I hope it brings great comfort to any and all.
Peace on you. DonCon” 4-2008


The Other Side –
(To hear the song)
http://tinyurl.com/3o8gol



Sincerely,

Deb
Proud Air Force Mom SSgt Vince – Lackland AFB
Proud Air Force MIL SrA Dana – Randolph AFB

Remembering The Fallen – Blog
http://tinyurl.com/3z8p55

Angel and soldier drawing I have shared here.
http://tinyurl.com/6gey8b

Ali S

August 30, 2008

I send out heartfelt wishes for the family, and friends. I did not know this hero, but I am thankful from the bottom of my heart for his willingness to help fight for the freedoms we have today.

Thank you, and god bless.

wayne wyatt

August 30, 2008

you are a hero

Darlene Good

August 30, 2008

Please accept my condolences for the great loss of an American hero, your hero and mine. Even though I never met Staff Sergeant Rodgers, I will never forget the ultimate sacrifice he gave for my freedom. May you look to God for the strength and comfort during this time of great loss to us all.

Anna McKay

August 29, 2008

My thoughts and prayers are with Kris' family and friends. He is a Hero to me. You should be so pround of him.

Dawn Powell - Class of '98

August 29, 2008

There are no words to express the sorrow that is felt on this day. All I can say is thank you, Staff Sgt. Kristopher Rodgers for serving this country. May God bless you and your family. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Stephen Webb

August 29, 2008

Please accept our heartfelt condolences from my family for the loss of your son.
May God bless.

Suzanne MacDaniel

August 29, 2008

To the Rodgers family,

I know there are no words to say, except how sorry I am for your loss. May you hold Kristophers' memory in your heart and please remember he shall never be forgotten.

...For you every single soldier
Those who served so honorable
Your life was forever altered
While I’m home safe and free
I stand with grateful admiration
I stand respectful and so proud
I know I’m only a civilian
And I don’t even know if it’s allowed.

But I salute you; allow me the honor
to salute you with permission let me say
Even though I hold no rank know that from my heart
My humble gratitude comes from the deepest part.
I salute you.

Suzanne MacDaniel
A Proud Aunt
Sgt. David M.Fisher
KIA 12/1/04

Amanda Feyes

August 29, 2008

I am keeping you in my thoughts and prayers Selina. May God bless you and watch out for you and your family.

Amanda (McNeil) Feyes

DeAnna Shields

August 29, 2008

My deepest sympathy to the family of Staff SGT Kristopher Rodgers during your time of grief. May God strengthen you each step of the way on this unexpected journey. DeAnna Shields, proud widow of SGT Jonathan B. Shields, US Army, 1st Cav, KIA Nov. 12, 2004..God Bless

Pastor Kevin Terrell

August 28, 2008

I know that things are pretty hectic right now but I just want you to know that I am so grateful to you and your family for Kris' service. I am so very proud of any service member but your family has given more than just service. On behalf of Temple Baptist Church in Three Rivers, I express my condolences. May God bless you and strengthen you in this time of loss.

Lilly Neipp

August 28, 2008

Hello To Everyone,

My Thoughts and Prayers are with all of you at this difficult time.

Lilly!

Sharon Breece

August 28, 2008

My deepest and most heart felt sympathy to the family of Kristopher Dan Rogers. Thanks for your Soliders's Courage and Dediication to our great Country and Freedom.
The price he and his family have paid, will never be forgotten.
In the days to come if you find yourself feeling like you can't go on, recall the years and days you were blessed by his presence, this is the one thing that cannot be taken away from you and your memorie,may you find comfort there and may God's Peace strengthen you though the difficult days ahead and the emptiness in your hearts!
I am the mother of a hero whom made the Ultimate Sacrifice on July 31,2007in Iraq.

"And God shall wipe away every tear from their eyes,
there shall be no more deaths, nor sorrow, nor crying
and there shall be no more pain.
For the former things have passed away."

Revelations 21:4

Proud Mother Of Stephen R Maddaies

Sharon Breece

Gary Allain

August 28, 2008

Staff Sgt. Kristopher Rodgers
you are my hero
may god keep you in his arms forever.

Jacqueline Osinski

August 27, 2008

Dear Family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you through these times of sorrow. May God wrap his loving arms around Kristopher, his family and friends and guide them to a place of comfort.
God Bless from a military mom...

Lea Thomas

August 27, 2008

May God bless you, and forever raise up the Spirit of your hero and son, Kristopher.

I'm sure no words can comfort your grieving hearts. I can only hope that knowing that there are other military families all over America supporting you in your grief and celebration of a life so honorably lived, will help this deepest of pain to heal ~ in time.

Lea Thomas (Detroit, MI)
Proud Air Force Mother
A1C Thomas, Minot AFB

We will never forget your sense of humor and love of life!

Miranda Robinson

August 27, 2008

Kris, we miss you so much. You were a great leader and friend. We don't understand the reasons behind everything, but we know they are there. Your mission here on earth is complete, and heaven needed you more. We love you and you will be in our hearts forever.

Selina and family, I love you all so much and my heart truly aches for your loss. You know I am here in any way that I can help.

Love,
Justin, Miranda and Stephen Robinson

Gaye & John Bishop

August 27, 2008

Our Thoughts and Prayers are with you and your family. We too know all to well the pain and grief you are going through. With God's help you will eventually heal. May God Bless you in this terrible time of need and all the days of your life. The proud parents of Pfc John T. Bishop (KIA 04-23-2008)

Valorie

August 27, 2008

My prayers and thoughts are with you.
I know how you feel losing a "HERO",Becoming a "Gold Star" Mother myself on 25 March.. The sacrafice our sons and daughters are making on a daily basis should tell us all..These young HEROS knew full well what they were doing and did it proudly When you hug your loved ones tonight.... Remember... We also hugged ours and they were protecting you..We.. as Americans need to make the "Ultimate Sacrafice" by supporting all our military(HEROS)...the Proud Mom of SGT. Jason W. Swiger
5th Squadron, 73rd Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne,Fort Bragg, N.C. KIA 3/25/007

Doug and Joann Blake

August 27, 2008

We wish to extend our deepest sympathy to the wife, son and family of SSG Kristopher Rodgers on your great loss. Kristopher’s courage and devotion to duty are truly to be honored, and his sacrifice in defense of our country must never be forgotten. Our own son, PV2 Joseph Blake, was killed in action in the Korengal valley of Afghanistan on August, 17, 2006. We share your grief and sorrow at this time, and our prayers are with you.

Tara Stopinski

August 27, 2008

My deepest sympathy to the family and friends of this brave soldier who gave his life for our country. May you find peace in knowing that so many are praying for you, and may the love that surrounds you, give you strength through this difficult time. My love to all of you! Sincerely,
Tara Stopinski
Proud Air Force Mom

Staff Sgt. Kristopher Rodgers

August 27, 2008

Susan Hearn

August 27, 2008

I have your family in my thoughts and prayers. I am so sorry for your loss. Please know that Kristopher was a hero and will forever be in my heart.

For the Commander, Carroll R. Michaud

August 27, 2008

The Final Salute

“Brothers in Arms”, Military men and women down through the centuries, have traditionally exchanged “Hand Salutes” as a sign of recognition and as a way to render courtesy and respect one to another.

This “Hand Salute” is the last that we shall render to S/Sgt Kristopher Rodgers our Brother in Arms. To his family it symbolizes the love and respect that we have for Krist. And to Krist it is rendered as a symbol of honor and gratitude to thank him for the ultimate sacrifice he made in combat while serving the U.S. Army and his country. No greater love is shown than a man lay down his life for another. Krist, you are a brave Warrior, a true Patriot and a national Hero. With your passing, our Country has lost a National Treasure. We bid you a sad farewell. You will be dearly missed from among our ranks. Be at ease. Rest in Peace.

On behalf of the 1,409 members of Lowe-McFarlane Post 14 of the American Legion in Shreveport, Louisiana, I extend our sympathies and our condolences to Krist’s family and loved ones.

Dennis N. Engdahl, Commander, American Legion Post 14
5315 S. Lakeshore Drive, Shreveport, LA 71109

Gale Poindexter

August 27, 2008

I am writing to offer my deepest sympathies to you and your family over the loss of your HERO Staff Sgt Kristopher Rodgers. I lost my son in Iraq on May 6/2007, so I can well understand your pain of losing a loved one so dear.

I pray you will be guided by a higher power to give you peace, comfort and strength in this time.

Psalm 34:18
The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit
GOD Bless you and your family. Your soldier was a true American Hero and we are all very proud of his service. He will not be forgotten!

(Proud mother of Sgt Joel W. Lewis, 5/20, 3-2 SBCT /Ft Lewis
KIA 5/6/07, Baqubah, Iraq)
www.youtube.com/watch?v=DXAX__FZYg4

Sandy Bonesteel

August 27, 2008

My condolences to the family of Staff Sgt. Kristopher Rodgers. I know there are no words that can go as deep as the grief and pain they feel. But I pray they will know that there are many, many people who are grieving with them. And many, many people who care very deeply about them and about Staff Sgt. Kristopher Rodgers.

george paul yung

August 26, 2008

AMERICAN HEROES
The cemetery is deserted at night.
No people near patriots' graves.
The Star Spangled Banner in gleaming moonlight
so quietly and proudly waves.

American heroes are buried here.
Compatriots must understand
That they all were fighting without any fear
And died for this beautiful land.

The soldiers lost their lives to protect
This country from enemies' flames.
American people will always respect
Their acts and remember their names.

Shelley H - Blue Star Mom

August 26, 2008

From our military family to yours, we would like to thank SSG Kristopher Rodgers for his service and sacrifice to this grateful country, as well as send our deepest condolences for your loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers.

Garnet Jenkins

August 26, 2008

In Humble Thanks, to this Brave Young Soldier, who has given his life, in the Service of our Country and for Freedom, With so much gratitude for Kristopher's Courage, and his Unselfish Dedication and Service.

Rest Safely now, Staff Sgt. Kristopher Rodgers, in the Hands of God and may the Peace of God be with the Rodgers family.
Those who Make these Sacrifices, So Many and So Young, shall Never Be Forgotten, my brother among them, Killed in action in Vietnam in 1967.

"I consider that our present sufferings.
Are not worth comparing with the glory
That shall be revealed in us."
~ Romans 8:18 ~

I am sincerely hoping that you feel the thoughts of caring and support that surround you today and in the days ahead, as this Grateful Country morns with you, for someone very precious to you, who is a True American Hero to all of us.
I am So Deeply Sorry for your Loss.

Gary Allain

August 26, 2008

Staff Sgt. Kristopher Rodgers
you are my hero
may god keep you in his arms forever.

connie meade

August 23, 2008

I am from Burr Oak......My Name is connie ayers-brooks - meade
I have children the same age...I am so sorry to here of your child....I seem to remember the name kathy ...I just wanted to give my heart felt thoughts and prayers to the family..God Bless all

Richard Breese

August 21, 2008

To those who knew and loved Kristopher Rodgers:

It is so sad when we lose a loved one. And it is so true the more beautiful a person, the harder the loss for those left behind. History’s greatest minds have thought it a great honor, if not life’s greatest achievement, to lose a life insuring the well-being of others. We will all pass someday. This is life. But Kristopher in the future’s gathering will realize his was a life lived well, a contribution to the common good. And Kristopher’s friends can be proud of this.

Danny Beaudry

August 21, 2008

As my only older cousin, Kris was always the one I looked up to growing up. He was the person I wanted to be back then, and became the person I can only hope to become. I feel so honored and privileged to have known Kris, and will thank him every day for what he gave for us and our country.

Minnie Spreeman

August 21, 2008

To my dearest family. My heart breaks for you and me both. Kris was a great nephew, friend, husband and father and is a true hero, he will be deeply missed by all. Know that our thoughts and prayers are with you and I send hugs to you daily. I thank Kris everyday for serving our country and doing it with such heart and passion. His dad would have been so proud of him throughout his entire life and now he is with the father he never knew and they have finally met. We love you Selina, and we will be with you in a few days to hug you for real. Aunt Minnie, Uncle Jeff, Tyler and Shelby

Jennifer (Merrill)Palmer

August 20, 2008

Brock and I have great memories of Kris. I know Selina and Kristopher through Janelle, I kind of feel that Janelle's family is like an extended family to me. Your whole family is heavy on our minds. I am so grateful that we ran into Kris last time he was in town for Cheri's wedding. We had the opportunity to visit with him a little at Welch's, and that was nice. (I also keep thinking of Kris's best friend, Brett...we grew up together and I know that this is a terrible loss for him too. I'm so sorry.)You are all in my thoughts and prayers.

Jennifer Dunks (BAUMAN)

August 20, 2008

To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived
okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here
is just eternal love.

Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I'm with you
every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up
and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you."

It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were
gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.

There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man.

God gave me a list of things, that he wished for
me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's
chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.

When you think of my life
on earth, and all those loving years
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not
be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.


I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But
one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.


There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a
time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...
that as you give unto the world, the world will
give to you.

If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night......"My day
was not in vain."
And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the
way, I made somebody smile.

So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick
him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in
your footsteps only half a step behind.

And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,
remember
you're not going.....you're coming here to me.

Ruth Ann Mahaffey (author)
©Copyright 1998-2008

Melanie DeVries

August 20, 2008

Selina and Family,

I knew the both of you when you were in high school...just begining to date. ( I was a mgr. at KFC.) I remember the both of you so fondly.

My deepest sympathy and condolences!!!

Selina...no words can console you right now...but thank you for letting your Husband serve our country! God Bless you....may you lean on Our Lord and Savior in your time of need.

Lois and David Helland

August 20, 2008

Our sincere sympathy to the wife, son and parents of SSG Rodgers.

We are so sorry that you have to endure this loss. Although we haven't met you, We having been praying for you since the Army vFRG notified us that a Spader had fallen. We truly understand the intense danger that your Soldier faced every day, and honor him for his courage and sacrifice. May you know God's peace today and during the days and months to come.

Sincerely,
Parents of a Spader who is currently serving in Afghanistan with D-Co of the 1st Battalion, 26th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division.

Hackman Family Funeral Homes

August 20, 2008

The Hackman Family and the entire staff extend to you our most heartfelt sympathy.

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August 17, 2013

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