Charles Rogers

Charles Rogers from Manhattan, New York passed away on May 17, at the age of 31.

Charlie was born in Joliet, IL on February 17, 1994 to Teresa Jordan and Charles Rogers and moved to Iowa city, IA as a young child. He was the youngest of five children with four older sisters. Growing up, he was a rambunctious child who had a fierce loyalty to his family along with a special place in his heart for his granddad, Charles and the Recker Family who he met at church.

Charlie took an early interest in sports and had a natural ability, especially in Track and Football. Those interests turned into passions at Iowa City West High School where he excelled in both sports, leading to multiple State Championships in Track and being named First-Team All State Quarterback in Football. He was a proud graduate of Iowa City West High School in 2012. His success on the football field gained the attention of college football coaches, ultimately leading to a football scholarship to Iowa State University where he played for the Cyclones. After two years at Iowa State University, and by way of Iowa Western CC, he was recruited to play in the Big 10 at the University of Minnesota. Known to his football teammates as "Ace", Charlie had a reputation for being a great teammate on and off the field, but you better have your helmet strapped if you were lined up across from him in practice as you would always get his best. He was also known for his hard work-especially when rehabbing from his knee injury with the Gophers.

It was also at the University of Minnesota that he met his eventual wife, Sydney Squires, who was a member of the Women's Soccer Team. The two dated through college and both graduated from the University of Minnesota. They lived and worked in Minneapolis, MN for one year before following their careers to New York City where they got engaged. They were married in Central Park, NYC in 2021. Charlie worked for New Jersey-based Verizon where he was one of their top Business Client Managers in the country, earning multiple President's Cabinet Awards for his accomplishments. He was also loved by many of his clients whom he built special relationships with.

In NYC, Charlie and Sydney built an active life together working out, exploring the area, and being outdoors. A love of travel was sparked, and the couple traveled the world, experiencing many different countries, cultures and foods. Charlie was always up for trying exotic local cuisine, even a Scorpion on a recent trip to Thailand. His favorite travel destinations were South Africa, where he visited the native homeland of his ancestors, the Zulu tribe, and a recent trip to Southeast Asia, but multiple ski vacations were not far behind. They also found joy simply hosting family and friends in their new home city of Manhattan.

Everyone who knew Charlie loved his radiant energy and zest for life. He was always up for anything-a card/board game, a game of pickle ball, a bike ride, a ski trip, an adult beverage with friends-ANYTHING. He had an infectious personality and a smile that lit up a room. He loved kids-especially his nieces and nephews -all of whom he adored. He was sweet, thoughtful, caring, loyal, accepting of others and very generous. In fact, his final act of selflessness was to be an organ donor where he impacted the lives of many others who needed help…something he would be very proud of today. He was just an amazing person who will be dearly missed.

Charlie is survived by his wife, Sydney; parents Teresa Jordan, Charles Rogers; grandfather Charles; siblings Tiffany (Tony), Natalie (Chris), Robin and Bionca; 6 nieces and 4 nephews.

A private celebration of life will be held in Minneapolis, MN on June 14 to honor Charles.