Robert E. (Bob) Rogers

Bob Rogers, 97, of Great Falls, formerly of Cooks, Washington, passed away in the early morning of August 11, 2017 from a hemorrhage stroke at a local hospital. No services are planned by his request. Bob was born in Portland, Oregon and raised in a small mountain community across the Columbia River in Washington. Bob was an only child of Geneva McNichol who lived to the age of 112 years, a fact for which Bob was forever proud to share! Bob’s college life was interrupted by Army military service. He served in World War II and Korea and was involved in the Guadalcanal conflict where he was injured. He was also part of the disaster crew in Hawaii right after Pearl Harbor. Bob became a Military Medic and Hospital Administrator, being decorated with many honors and awards for his service including 2 Purple Hearts and 2 Bronze Star Medals. He served in Germany and Hawaii, Kentucky and Washington State. Bob was a 32nd Degree Mason, a member of the Elks and Eagles Lodges, a member of the VFW, the American Legion and the Soroptimists. Bob was an excellent bowler, but was an accomplished golfer. He has been credited with 2 holes-in-one and for a time, a 7 handicap. Bob loved cars and owned over 40 cars including a favorite, beautiful 1963 Thunderbird. He also loved to hunt, fish and travel. But Bob’s favorite activity was to dance. Bob began dancing at a young age and credits both his marriages with an invitation to dance. Bob and Marian became the first King and Queen of the Grandview Prom where they once again danced. Bob continued to dance right up to last week at a Grandview musical event, where Bob and Marian were filmed while dancing. Bob’s first wife, Vera, passed away from cancer in 1989 after 48 years of marriage. Bob met Marian Midge Aaberge the following winter as a snowbird in Yuma, Arizona. They married on April 7, 1990. Bob and Marian shared 27 years of marriage, many cruises and many trips exploring the world while living once again on the mountain in Cooks, Washington. In 2007, they purchased a home in Yuma and enjoyed a 5-year stay, then moved to Great Falls 4 years ago where they have enjoyed a little slower pace of life. Everyone enjoyed Bob’s sense of humor and his devotion to Marian. Bob is survived by children and step-children, Lee Rogers (Irene), Diane Rogers Green (Glenn, deceased) and Alan Rogers (Angela), all of Cooks, WA, Gail Aaberge Becker of Blaine, MN, Nancy Aaberge (Brian Fleshman deceased) of Miles City, MT, Jackie Aaberge Van Heel (Dennis) of Great Falls, MT, Eileen Aaberge Thorpe (Woody) of Valley Springs, CA, and Luther Aaberge of San Francisco, CA. He was blessed with 20 grandchildren and 25 great-grandchildren. Bob was preceded in death by his parents and 2 sons-in-law, and a grandson. Memorials may be given to any service organization of your choice. Condolences may be or sent to Marian Rogers c/o Grandview in Great Falls, MT. We want to thank all the caring individuals, medical personnel, staff, chefs and caretakers who have cared for Bob during his life. Thank you.