Roger Frederick Rockers

Roger Frederick Rockers, age 59, of Garnett, Kansas, passed away on Sunday, February 19, 2017, at his home, surrounded by his family after courageously enduring pancreatic cancer. He was born in Garnett, Kansas on June 23, 1957, the second child of eight and oldest son born to Les and Clara (Hansen) Rockers. He lived his entire life in Anderson County. Roger attended school at Harris, Holy Angels and Garnett High School, graduating with the class of 1975. On November 23, 1996, he married Norma Guilfoyle of Greeley, Kansas at St. Boniface Church in Scipio. Roger and Norma made their home northwest of Garnett. Roger grew up farming with his Dad and Uncle Merle. As a young man, Roger worked for Boyles Construction, learning to operate heavy equipment. Together with his dad, he operated a custom silage cutting operation for several years. Roger and his brother Russell took over the farm and the Hoegemeyer seed dealership, operating as Rockers Farms. He was a member of the St. Boniface Catholic Church in Scipio. He was a past member of the U.S. Custom Harvesters and National Farmers Organization. He was honored to have served on the Pottawatomie Creek Watershed board. In February 1979, he joined the national efforts of the American Agriculture Movement and drove his tractor on an 18-day journey to Washington D.C. as part of the Kansas delegation. This added to his interest in farm policy and agricultural concerns. Roger enjoyed hunting for arrowheads, drawing, woodcarving, and playing spades. His ingenuity afforded him the ability to make improvements and enhancements to his farm equipment. Roger could always be found accompanied by a loyal female Border Collie with a male name. He was preceded in death by his dad, Les Rockers on January 28, 2017. Roger is survived by his loving wife, Norma Rockers, of the home; his mom, Clara Rockers, of Garnett, Kansas; siblings, Annette Harrison of Overland Park, Kansas, Russell Rockers and wife, Beth, of Garnett, Ralph Rockers and Mary Wolterman of Garnett, Janice Chatham and husband, Mike of Radford, Virginia, Lucille Stone and husband, Damon of Garnett, Lisa Rossman and husband, David of Ottawa, Kansas, Leslea Rockers and Mike Hermreck of Garnett, Kansas; uncle and aunts, Merle and Helen Rockers, Colleen and Bob Gregory, Lavon and Carl Mariz, and Joella Rockers, Virginia Rockers; Joe Hansen, Rosalea and Bill Coones, Ruth Ann Vansickle, and Mary Ellen and Gary LeSuer, many brothers and sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, and friends. Roger was often heard saying “you’ve gotta be tough,” “all you gotta do is….” (usually followed by 5 seconds of bad instructions), “the first thing you gotta do is think you can,” “work comes first,” and “it takes a lot of energy to hate.” Roger will be remembered for his love of the land, his conservation efforts and “leaving it better than you found it.” Roger did not work to live, he truly lived to work and took great pride in being a farmer. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m., on Thursday, February 23, 2017 at St. Boniface Catholic Church in Scipio, Kansas. Burial will follow at St. Boniface Cemetery. A rosary will be held at 6:00 p.m., on Wednesday evening the church, with visitation following. The family would appreciate everyone to wear a “Team Roger” or a purple shirt to the rosary. Memorial contributions may be made to the St. Boniface New Hall Building Fund. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.feuerbornfuneral.com