Goodrich, Michigan
WELLS, Rodger L. Of Goodrich, Michigan formerly of Donnellson, Iowa, age 77, died Monday, May 11, 2015 at his residence. Funeral Mass will be celebrated 11am Friday, May 15, 2015 at St. Mark the Evangelist Catholic Church, 7296 Gale Road, Goodrich. Visitation 10am Friday at the church until the time of the Mass. Visitation 4-8pm Thursday at the Swartz Funeral Home, 1225 West Hill Road, Flint. A Vigil Service will be held 7pm Thursday evening at the funeral home. Father Michael W. Kuchar officiating. Cremation will take place following the Mass. Contributions to St. Mark Catholic Church. Rodger was born in Holloway, Minnesota and was Salutorian of his graduating class. On March 23, 1963, he married Margaret L. Podlasinski and they were married for 52 years. Rodger received a Bachelor of Science Degree from the University of California at Riverside. He was employed as a chemist at E.I. DuPont for 31 years, in Chicago, Illinois, Fort Madison, Iowa and Flint, Michigan where he invented the infrared process for DuPont. After Rodger retired, he did contract work for E.T.S. (Engineering Tube Specialty) in Ortonville. Rodger also operated Expert Piano Tuning and Repair Company. He was a member of St. Mark the Evangelist Catholic Church. Rodger was an avid fisherman and loved his family and spending time together with his loved ones. He also served in the National Guard and was an accordion player for the Mountain Echo's Music Group of Ortonville. Rodger created the Donnellson Iowa Baseball Association and originated the 5th and 6th grade Boys' Basketball Program, and coached both. Surviving are wife, Margaret "Margie"; children, Sue (Tom) Ensminger, Lynn (Dick) Fehseke, John Tiffany III, Brent Wells, Colette (Jeff) Smith and Bob (Cathy) Wells; 6 grandchildren, Anthony, Clint, Josi, Nicole, Darin, Joe, Alexa, Brandon, Jacob, Emily and Blake; 10 great-grandchildren; sisters, Laurel Arndt and Judy Beguin. He was preceded in death by son, Jim Wells, grandson, Nathan Ensminger and 9 sisters and brothers. Your condolences may be shared with the family at swartzfuneralhomeinc.com
Miss your Dad and Mom and his "know how to get things done" attitude. Sipping a cold one on the driveway side of the house cause lake side had little or no shade. He always invited Alison to raid the garden when the harvest was in. Wish I could turn back the hands of time when Marg and Roger were close neighbors to us!!
Joseph S Richvalsky
May 05, 2025
We were sorry to hear of Rodgers passing. He was a wonderful addition to our group and we think of him often. Our thoughts are with Margie and the family during this difficult time. Folk Ensemble
May 20, 2015
We still miss Roger and offer our condolences from all of us in Mountain Echoes Dulcimer Troupe. Peace
May 17, 2015
Prayers...Namaste' to the beauty in white Butterflies.
In Consciousness,
Cheryl Seymour,
Goodrich, Mi
May 14, 2015
Margie and fam, Even the expected takes you by surprise. We sure are going to miss Roger and his pearls of wisdom he bestowed upon us. He was one of the most pragmatic men I've had the pleasure to know. His garden vegetables were always well received. He surely was an important part of the fabric that makes up our neighborhood; how lucky were we to move in two doors down. God Love you Roger, Joey & Alison Richvalsky.
Joseph & Alison Richvalsky
May 14, 2015 | Goodrich, MI
Margie & family,
I was so sorry to read of Rodger's passing. I have many good memories of growing up in Montrose with your family just across the street. May God hold you all close during this difficult time. Sincerely,
Paula (Philp) Pohren, Farmington, IA
May 14, 2015
Aunt Margie & family:
Uncle Rodger was always very special to me and my brothers. We loved him much! I remember when my youngest brother was born, we argued with my parents to name him Rodger after our beloved uncle Rodger. We won that battle.
Karen Clarke
May 13, 2015 | Perris, CA
Marg, John, and family,
Sorry to here of Rodgers passing.Your in my prayers.Always enjoyed the little talks we had when John and I would play after school.
I remember Rodger smiling and energetic, always helping us kids.
Saw John a few years back at the Donnellson park. Still John.
Jeff Wilson
May 13, 2015 | Donnellson, IA
Margie,
I was sorry to hear about Rodger's passing and felt compelled to drop a note to you. I don't know if you remember me, but I used to babysit all of your kids many, many years ago in Donnellson. Your oatmeal cookies were the best...I remember Rodger as being very nice and always having a smile on his face. I have thought of you all, often over the years... Again my sympathies....Sherry
Sherry Roberts-Spears
May 12, 2015 | Mediapolis, IA