Carol Jean Rogers

It is with sadness that the family of Carol Jean Rogers, share the news of her passing on August 29th, 2025. Ninety-seven years ago, on October 29, 1927, Olive and Marie Davis – Wakeland and her husband, Issac, welcomed the first of their children, Carol Jean, in the mining town of Mystic, Iowa. The family’s journey took them from Iowa to Kalamazoo, Michigan, where in 1937 the Wakeland family grew to include Carol’s sister, Mary Ann (Loftus). In 1947 Carol married Richard Tessin, and while the marriage ended, mom was blessed to welcome their first child, Daniel William. Years later, Carol married Melvin Rogers, and soon added twins, Holly and Molly.

Life, with all of its challenges, was good. Carol was a working mom. Starting with small local retailers after high school, then on to Bell Telephone where she rose to supervisor. Eventually she moved on to what was then known as the Kalamazoo State Hospital, retiring from there after 29 years of service. Carol and Mel enjoyed their retirement years together until his passing in 2012. Mom enjoyed the next chapter of life with family and keeping up with friends made over the years.

Carol leaves behind her son, Daniel (Karen) Tessin, daughters Holly (Robert) Reilly and Molly (Randy) Hilliker. Grandchildren, Brandon (Brianna) Reilly, Shea Reilly and Melinda Fillmore. Great Granddaughters, Brinley and Alaina Reilly and many loved nieces and nephews.

The family would like to thank the angels at Rose Arbor Hospice for their loving care of our mom during her last days with us.

Services for Carol will be private. She will be placed to rest at Fort Custer National Cemetery with her husband, Melvin.