Walter Stephen Rodgers

Funeral Service Link: https://paulblagay-171.my.webex.com/wbxmjs/joinservice/sites/paulblagay-171.my/meeting/download/672207d31df0405883f36bb128a22816 Our beloved father, Walter Stephen Rodgers, passed away at home in his children’s loving embrace on Tuesday, September 26th at the age of 79 – enduring ‘til the end. He was born to Walter Charles Rodgers and Eva Eliza Van Seters, on May 18th, 1944 in Salt Lake City, UT. Steve grew up in Sandy and attended Jordan High School, where he went on to join the United States Navy at the age of 17. He was honorably discharged as a Yellow Shirt, serving on the aircraft carrier, the U.S.S Shangri La. After he was discharged, he moved to Kansas and found work with Hercules, making missiles for the U.S. Government, while also working as a golf professional at Alvamar Country Club. Years later, he returned to Utah, the place that he loved most. He continued his work with Hercules until he began the work that would mean the most to him for the next 50 years, as an insurance agent for American National. During his time with American National, he became a qualifying member of the Million Dollar Round Table as well as being a part of the Presidents Club. He made many lasting relationships with clients that turned into lifelong friends. His devotion to his clients was present until the very end. Dads goal was to “work until he dropped.” A promise that he lived up to. Our Dad had a deep love and respect for golf and was an avid competitor and member of the UGA. He competed in weekly tournaments, twice qualified for the Utah State Amateur, and was Club Champion of the Westridge Men’s Association. He continued playing golf, always by USGA rules, and never passing up an opportunity to rake a bunker or fix as many pitch marks as possible. Dad’s goal was to always leave it better than he found it, which applied to all aspects of his life. Steve was a meticulous craftsman who could build and fix anything. From a young age, he always had a deep love for model airplanes. He built museum quality remote control scale model aircraft, which he did with precision and passion. His biggest accomplishment being his 1/3 scale J-3 Piper Cub. Dad remarked many times how much he loved working with his hands. Anything that needed to be fixed was done above and beyond ordinary repair. Dad was always a spiritual person, a man of faith and his word. He knew deep down that he would find his way back to the LDS church at some point in his life. In 2019, he was re-baptized, his priesthood blessings were restored, and he received his temple endowments. Family has always been important to Dad, and this was his way to ensure that his family would be together forever. He was a man of service his entire life, and even though he never served an LDS mission, his life mission was to serve others. From 1966-1980, Steve was married to Barbara Johnson and from 1983-2013 was married to Janet Boston. He was always grateful for the years and memories made during this time as it gave him his wonderful family. Dads ultimate pride and joy came in the form of his children: Barbara, Stephen, Kate and Hannah. He loved being a dad and did everything in his power to give his children anything and everything. Dad was our biggest cheerleader while also being our harshest critic. Dads’ motto was ‘Show me, don’t tell me’. This has been deeply ingrained in all his children. He instilled many values of hard work, respect, determination, and punctuality. He always told us that we can do whatever we put our minds to and expected us to give 110% in everything that we did. Dad – your abrupt passing has left a major void in all our lives that will never be filled, but we know this too shall pass. You made a lasting impression and left an incredible legacy for us to continue. We will forever miss your unique humor, your comforting words, your consistent reliability, your infectious laugh and contagious smile. We promise to always honor you by living our life to the fullest while seeing each day as a blessing. He will be greatly missed by his sisters Carol, Kay, Karen and his brother Ken; his daughter, Barbara Rodgers (Greg); son, Stephen Rodgers (Lexie); daughter, Kate Rodgers (Paul); daughter, Hannah Otteson (Matt); grandchildren, Juniper Poppy & Arlo Silas, and his dachshund Honey Badger. Preceded in death by his parents Walter Charles Rodgers and Eva Eliza Van Seters; his best friend Al Simonich; and his two dachshunds Charlie and Lola. Services will be held Saturday, October 7th at 11 am in the Roseboro chapel in Sandy; 9800 South 1880 East Sandy, UT. All are invited to attend the viewing at the Roseboro Chapel on Friday, October 6th from 6-8 pm and Saturday October 7th from 9-10:30 am prior to the services. Interment will be held at Larkin Sunset Gardens in Sandy; 10600 South 1950 East in Sandy, UT

Walter Stephen Rodgers

May 18, 1944 - September 26, 2023