1. Howard Rogers, 81, of Cascade, IA, passed away peacefully on Sunday, February 18, 2018 at his home in Cascade, IA.

Friends and relatives of Howard may call from 11 to 2 p.m., Saturday, February 24, 2018 at the Reiff Funeral Home in Cascade, IA, where arrangements are pending.

Services for Howard will be held at 2 p.m., Saturday, February 24, 2018 at the Reiff Funeral Home in Cascade, Iowa, with Sr. Jane Rogers and Sr. Marlene McDonnell presiding. Burial will held in Calvary Cemetery in Cascade, IA with full military honors afforded by the Cascade American Legion Post #528.

Howard was born September 5, 1936 in Monticello, IA, son of Charles and Margaret (O'Shea) Rogers. He received his education from country schools and St. Martin's Elementary and graduated from St. Martin's High School. On September 7, 1963 he was united in marriage to Carolyn Fisher in St. Mary's Catholic Church in Ottumwa, IA. Howard served in the United States Army from 1956 to 1958. He was a lifelong farmer and he also worked for Robertson Seco for 25 years until his retirement.

Howard loved helping others, taking them to doctors and dialysis appointment. He also volunteered for meals on wheels for many years. He was an avid Notre Dame Football and Chicago Cubs Baseball fan. Howard was a wonderful story teller and enjoyed telling stories to his family and friends. He enjoyed playing poker and bowling.

He was a member of the Cascade American Legion Post # 528 and the Cascade Knights of Columbus Council #930.

He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Carolyn Rogers of Cascade, IA; two children, Bernadette (Pete) Merchlewitz of Fountain City, WI and their son, Sean Merchlewitz, Michael (Tien) Rogers of Claymont, DE and their children Kevin and Jared Rogers; 3 step-grandchildren, Jana (Kellen) Haynes, Jacob (Sarah) Merchlewitz and Josh (Special Friend Nikki) Merchlewitz; 6 step-great grandchildren with one more on the way in May; one sister, Sr. Jane Rogers of Dubuque, IA; two brothers-in-law, Carl Fisher of CA, and Tom Fisher of Ottumwa, IA; one sister-in-law, Andrea (Special Friend George Hopkins) Dalbey of Ottumwa, IA; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; father and mother-in-law, Winfred and Hazel Fisher; two sons, Sean Rogers on May 10, 1972 and Kevin Rogers on November 24, 1996; one brother, Leo Rogers; two sisters, Patricia Rogers and Annabelle (Jim) Cigrand.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the American Cancer Society and the Muscular Dystrophy Association.

The family would like to give a Special Thank You to the Staff at Hospice of Dubuque, especially Angela for all the wonderful care and support they have given.