Lester "Bill" Rodger

Lester “Bill” Rodger, 74, of Westfield, WI, went to his Heavenly home on Sunday, October 6, 2024, with family by his side. 

Bill was born in Portage, Wisconsin, the son of Lester and Lorraine (Nelson) Rodger, on July 18,1950, grew up in Oxford, Wisconsin, and graduated from Westfield High School in 1968. He attended the University of Wisconsin - Stevens Point for two years, then had several positions including working for the Chicago Northwestern Railroad, a construction worker, as a deputy for the Marquette County Sheriff’s Department, and in October of 1975, began a career with the Bureau of Prisons, working at FCI Oxford for 25 years, ending as Controller of the Business Office. 

Bill married Mary (Rank) Rodger on August 11,1973 at First Presbyterian Church in Westfield, Wisconsin and enjoyed 51 happy years of marriage. From this marriage Bill and Mary were blessed with three children, Laura, Karen, and Jeffrey. They enjoyed traveling to all of the lower forty-eight states, enjoying visiting national parks, especially listening the elk bugle in Estes National Park, and visiting friends and family along the way. 

Bill especially loved hunting, fishing, golfing, and spending time with his grandchildren, teaching them “valuable life lessons.” He attended First Presbyterian Church, where he served as a deacon and session member, taught Sunday School and helped with the youth group. 

It would be hard to decide upon a favorite memory, as his colorful personality and sharp wit was enjoyed by all who loved him, often ending in laughter that wouldn’t end. 

Remaining to cherish Bill’s memory are wife, Mary of Westfield, WI; children: Laura Busch of Mineral Point, WI, Karen (Charley) Manley of Westfield, WI, and Jeffrey (Jennifer) Rodger of Westfield, WI; grandchildren: Jackson, Annabelle, and Eleanor Busch of Mineral Point, Will and Tony Manley of Westfield, and John and Andy Rodger of Westfield; brother, Don (Pam) Bade, of Oxford, WI, sister, Kathy (Terry) Thorne, of Oxford, WI, sister-in-law, Julie Rodger, of Coloma, WI; brothers-in-law: Don Rank of York, PA, Jim Rank of Lake Havasu City, AZ, David (Cindy) Rank of Greenville, SC, Bob Bolle of McFarland, WI; sister-in-law: Judy Fritz of McFarland, WI; Kim Gaffney, a cousin who was more like a like a brother, and many nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.

Preceding Bill in death were his parents, Lester and Lorraine, in-laws: Anthony and Frances Rank, brothers: Steve and Robyn Rodger, brothers-in-law, Phil Rank and Phil Fritz, sisters-in-law, Margaret Rank and Monica Bolle, and son-in-law, Brian Busch. 

A funeral service for Bill will be held on Monday, October 14, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. at First Presbyterian Church in Westfield with Rev. Bruce Fenner officiating. Burial will be in Westfield South Cemetery. A visitation will be held on Monday from 9:00 to 10:45 a.m. at the church.

Please take a moment to view the online Tribute Wall. Send your condolences or share a memory of Bill with his family & friends.