Daniel Joseph Rogers

Daniel Joseph "Dan" Rogers, 40, of Gladbrook, Iowa passed away surrounded by his loving family and friends on May 1, 2024. He was born on August 17, 1983, in Waterloo, Iowa to his parents Michael and Ellen (Jeffries) Rogers.

Dan was deeply devoted to his wife Kelly and his two children, Alex (17) and Willa (11). He cherished spending time with family, friends, his pup Boomer and cats Stormy, Benny, and JD. Dan's inner child shone brightly when he engaged in activities like watching movies (often reciting every punchline), building Lego sets, playing video games with his children, blade smithing or working on creations in the shop. His work at the John Deere foundry was not just a job, but an exciting adventure he eagerly looked forward to each day.

Dan is survived by his beloved wife of 14 years, Kelly Sue Rogers (Schmudlach); his children, Alex and Willa; brother Jeff (Tracy) Rogers, Kim (John) Euchner, and Vicky Rogers. He was preceded in death by his grandparents Glen and Grace Jeffries and Lyle and Elinor Rogers.

Dan graduated in 2002 from Hudson High School and later pursued his education at Hawkeye Community College, earning an Associate in Applied Science in Automated Systems Technology in 2010. 

Before joining John Deere in 2011, Dan held various positions and found his true passion at the foundry. He treasured the friendships he made, especially with Loren Lorenz, as they worked side by side at work and enjoyed spending time together working on home improvement projects.

A Celebration of Life to honor Dan will be held on Saturday, May 11, 2024 from 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm at the South Waterloo Church of the Brethren Family Life Center, 6227 Kimball Avenue, Waterloo, Iowa 50701. There will be a gathering from 2-4 pm and the Celebration of Life Service will begin promptly at 4:00 pm. If you will be attending, the family encourages you to dress casually and wear “Be the Sunshine” apparel. Abels Funeral and Cremation Service in Reinbeck, Iowa is assisting the family with the arrangements.

In lieu of flowers the family suggests a donation to Gray Warriors. (https://graywarriors.org/) Dan and his family received great support from Gray Warriors as they navigated Dan’s diagnosis and treatment of glioblastoma, an aggressive form of brain cancer. Dan's memory will live on in the hearts and minds of those who knew and loved him, and we will carry on his wish to Always Be the Sunshine.