Stephen Thomas Rodgers

Stephen Thomas Rodgers

Sept. 20, 1953 - June 17, 2023

MADISON - Stephen Thomas Rodgers was born to Louise (Shine) and F. Raymond Rodgers Jr. on September 20, 1953, in Chicago, IL. He attended grade school in Madison, WI, and Shrewsbury, UK. Steve graduated from Edgewood High School in 1971, and continued on to earn his bachelor's degree in Journalism from University of Wisconsin-Madison in 1977. During college he avoided all the ology classes on principle, perfected his recipe for poor man's lasagna, and drove cross-country to Missoula, MT, to win back the heart of his high school sweetheart, Anne Marie Baker. They married on April 2, 1977, at St. Paul's Catholic Center.

Steve started his journalistic career as an editor of the Kenosha Labor Paper. He then served America's credit unions for 34 years, first at CUNA Mutual Group in public relations, and later at Credit Union National Association (CUNA) in publications. Among his many roles, Steve was editor of CUNA's newsletters, magazine, and innovative convention daily newspaper.

After retirement, he enjoyed his "retirement job" at Blackhawk Church working with marriage and family ministries. Steve's wisdom and humble guidance has shepherded many couples and families into wholeness. His other retirement job was professional grandpa. He was a beloved Papa to his 12 grandchildren who will always remember their Papa as imaginative, playful, and ready for anything. He often used the phrase "bring it on" when embracing any level of chaos that 12 grandchildren under the age of 12 can bring.

He is survived by his wife of 46 years, Anne (Baker) Rodgers; children: Matthew (Rachel) Rodgers, Leah (Kyle) Buchmann, Peter (Mitzi) Rodgers, and Margaret (Michael) Morrison; and grandchildren: Owen, Addison, Griffin, Louise, Hazel, Simone, Fields, Ezra, Naomi, Abe, Brooks, and Daniel. He is also survived by his brother, Christopher (Theresa) Rodgers; sister, Katie (Dennis Himsel) Rodgers; a fantastically large extended family on the Baker side; cousins on the Rodgers side; and loyal friends from years back to present day. He is preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Mary.

Steve loved his family and his community with his whole and steady heart, and we will all miss him terribly.

A celebration of Steve's life will be held at Blackhawk Church 9620 Brader Way, Middleton, WI, 53562, on Friday, June 30, 2023. A visitation will be held from 9:30 - 11:30 a.m. followed by a Celebration of Life service at 11:30 a.m. and a luncheon immediately afterwards. The service can be viewed via livestream at blackhawk.church/rodgers.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made by check to Blackhawk Church, Memo: Steve Rodgers - GO Teams. Donations can also be made in Steve's honor to the UW Bucky's Tuition Promise at supportuw.org/giveto/RodgersMemorial.

Steve knew a deep well of grace in his lifetime, and he shared it freely with others. May we all do the same. See you soon, Pops.