Robert Dean Rogers, age 63, was born on March 18, 1962, in Akron, Colorado, to Dale and Joan Newland. On November 25, 2025, he was tragically taken from us far too soon. While our hearts are broken, we find comfort knowing he now resides in heaven, watching over all of us.
Bob was a light to his family from the very beginning—both the first-born child and the first grandchild, and unquestionably his mother’s pride and joy. He began school in a one-room schoolhouse in Whitman, Nebraska, and attended many schools throughout his childhood before graduating from Lone Star School in 1980. He was especially fond of his math teacher, Chuck Schmidt, and carried his love of numbers throughout his life. Many knew him as a “walking phone book.” He was deeply involved in the Lone Star FFA program, where he embodied everything a Future Farmer of America stands for.
When you think of Bob, you likely think of combines and overalls. During his time with the Zwirn family, he developed the work ethic that would define his life and formed a close bond with neighbor Bud Schwisow. Bud took Bob under his wing and sent him on his first harvest crew at just 13 years old. By 16, Bob had purchased his first combine—a Massey 510—and never looked back. For the next 43 years, he traveled from south Texas to Great Falls, Montana, harvesting nearly every crop imaginable: wheat, corn, millet, rice, sunflowers, edible beans, milo, popcorn, canola, peas—you name it, he harvested it. Except cotton… he refused to harvest cotton. No matter the crop, he was meticulous about quality, efficiency, and doing the job right.
In 1989, Bob married Jan Prussman. Together they welcomed two children, both born during the most magical week of the year. On Christmas Day 1989, Lyle Dean Rogers arrived—“the best Christmas present.” Two years later, on Christmas Eve 1991, Sara Marie Rogers was born. “Merry Birthday” was a familiar phrase in their home. They built a life and raised their family in the Burdett community.
Bob loved his children with every beat of his heart. He never missed a single game and always made sure Lyle and Sara could hear his unmistakable voice from across the football field or gymnasium. He rarely missed a game in Bethune—he always said they had the best Mexican food at the concession stand. And if his kids stayed out a bit too late the night before, he had his own version of discipline: blasting AC/DC through the living room at 5 a.m. before sending them out to throw scrap iron.
Bob was immensely proud of Lyle and his service in the United States Army. After Lyle graduated from UCCS, the Army sent him around the country, and Bob made it his mission to help him move and visit him at every base—Fort Riley, Kansas; Fort Rucker, Alabama; and everywhere in between. When Lyle retired as a Major, Bob sat front and center, beaming with pride.
He was equally proud of Sara, who graduated from CSU with a degree in Political Science and Arabic Studies. Though he never could quite figure out what Arabic Studies meant—or how to pronounce it—he supported her wholeheartedly. When Sara returned to the farm to work beside him, his heart overflowed. Watching her raise her children on the same ground where he raised his family brought Bob a peace that few are blessed to feel. He instilled in both Lyle and Sara the drive to work hard, dream big, and finish what you start.
In 2018, Bob’s world changed forever when he became a grandfather. Sandboxes and trampolines quickly replaced anvils and tool benches. Georgia Marie arrived in 2018, Lola Jean in 2019, Natalie Mae in 2021, and Lincoln Dean in 2023. His four grandchildren were the absolute light of his life. Bob eventually retired from harvest so he could devote his days to being Papa Bob—a role he took more seriously than any other. He never missed a T-ball game, taught the kids how to drive the Gator, and kept what could only be described as a full-size bank vault stocked with snacks. Every morning, Natalie asks for directions to heaven so she can talk to her Papa.
Outside of his family, Bob had countless joys: pawn shops, motorcycle rides, long road trips, antique signs, nut frys, deep-sea fishing in Costa Rica, Chick-O-Sticks, pickled eggs, and—of course—a good cold beer. But what truly set Bob apart was his generosity. Whether pulling a neighbor out of a snow drift, lending a neighbor a trailer without hesitation, or coaching a neighbor through setting a combine over the phone, Bob lived to help others. The important word here is neighbor—and Bob was the best neighbor anyone could ask for. He gave freely, without expectation, and with a heart as big as the plains he farmed.
Bob was preceded in death by his father, Dale Newland; maternal grandparents, Dean and Vera Stephen; and paternal grandparents, Joseph and Zella Newland.
He is survived by his children, Lyle (Kristi) Rogers and Sara (Dewain) Rogers; his beloved grandchildren, Lola and Lincoln Rogers, and Georgia and Natalie Wood; his siblings, Steven Rogers, Robin Varelman, and David Newland; his nephew, Travis Varelman; his mother, Joan Drullinger; and a large extended family of aunts, uncles, cousins, neighbors, and friends who loved him deeply.
Bob was a father, grandfather, brother, son, neighbor, mentor, and friend. He leaves behind a legacy of hard work, kindness, humor, and love that will live on in every person he touched and every field he harvested.
He will be missed beyond measure.
Memorial Service – Friday, December 5, 2025 at 11:00 A.M. at the Lone Star School. Service is being officiated by Korby Kneedler and Baucke Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.