Randal Dean Rogers

Randal Dean Rogers, 65, son of Everett & Dorothy (Searl) Rogers, was born July 12, 1959 at the Guthrie County Hospital in Guthrie Center, Iowa. He passed away Friday, January 24, 2025 at his home.
Randal graduated from Yale-Jamaica- Bagley High School in 1977. During high school he worked at the foundry in Perry. He then became the town police officer in Bayard his last two years of high school. In May of 1977, the city of Coon Rapids hired him as their town police officer. In June of 1977, he and two other officers were in a vehicle accident after responding to a call. Randal was in the back seat of the patrol car when they were hit by a drunk driver. The two officers in the front were killed. Randal spent the next year and a half recovering at the hospital in Omaha. After his recovery, he returned home and started working as a janitor for Greene County Hospital. It was during this time he put himself through the Law Enforcement Academy. Unfortunately because of his injuries he wasn't able to work full time as a police officer. He was the first reserve deputy for Guthrie County. After retirement from Greene County Hospital, he worked as a security guard for Wild Rose Casino in Jefferson. He then worked security for Lake Panorama. He retired for good when he was 60.
During his teenage years, he started Civil War reenacting, then he later participated with WWI and WWII reenacting. He received the rank of Sergeant with the Civil War reenacting. He participated in many reenactments through the years for all three war periods. He also taught at Living History Farms where he learned black smithing. He volunteered at Living History Farms for around 12-15 years.
Randal is survived by a daughter, Stephanie and son, Randal Rogers II; along with his brother, Robert Rogers of Bayard and nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother Raymond.
Cremation has taken place and graveside services will be held at a later date in the Brethren Cemetery, Panora.