Gary Wayne Rodgers passed away on September 15th following a medical emergency at work. Gary was born August 12, 1948, in Chariton, IA to Wayne and Maxine Rodgers. Gary was a graduate of Chariton High School (Chariton, IA) in 1967, living in Lucas County for most of his life.
In 1972, Gary married Rita Flanders, and they were blessed with four children: Todd, Chad, Jake and Amanda. Gary was also blessed with a son, Wayne Conway, from a previous marriage. Gary and Rita also served as foster parents for 15 years, providing a positive home life for many young boys and girls.
Gary worked a couple of jobs early on but found stable work with Fulton and Sons, Inc. around 1980, retiring after 30 plus years of service. Following his retirement, Gary took various part-time jobs. He most recently drove for Lucas County Recycling and worked for the Humeston Sale Barn and Central Plains Stockyards in Humeston, Iowa.
Gary had a true gift for working with his hands; he loved to build, create and fix things. He was known as Mr. Fix It, often being called upon by friends and family to help with various projects. Gary had a servant’s heart, which was a direct result of his relationship with Jesus Christ. Gary was firmly rooted in his faith and shared the love of Jesus with his family and close friends.
Gary was a huge fan of the Green Bay Packers and the Iowa Hawkeyes, attending several Hawkeye games over the years. In 2025, he was able to attend a Green Bay Packers game at Lambeau Field, checking it off his bucket list. Gary also enjoyed hunting, fishing and spending time with his family.
Gary was preceded in death by his parents; his son Todd Rodgers; his sister Connie Churchhill; sisters-in-law Ruby Flanders and Debbie Brown; brothers-in-law Larry Flanders, Terry Flanders, Rick Flanders, Denny Jones, Rick Brown, and Dave Bianchi; nieces Marsha Barton and Brenda Barton; and nephews David Churchill and Wade Flanders.
Gary is survived by his wife, Rita Rodgers of Humeston, IA; his children: Wayne Conway of Melrose, IA; Chad (Kathileen) Rodgers of Urbandale, IA; Jake Rodgers of Humeston, IA; Amanda Rodgers of Humeston, IA; 14 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; and his siblings: Carol (Bill) Musick of Chariton, IA and Chuck (Barb) Rodgers of Humeston, IA. He is also survived by Dixie Bianchi (Norwalk, IA), Sharon Jones (Derby, IA), Charlotte Flanders (Derby, IA), Lori Flanders (Plano, IA), and many, many nieces, nephews, cousins, and other family whom he loved dearly.
A visitation will take place at Pierschbacher Funeral Home in Chariton, IA on September 26th at 10:00 AM, with a Celebration of Life service following at 11:30 AM. A luncheon will be held immediately following the service. All are invited to join the family to celebrate Gary’s life.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions will be received by the family and designated at a later date.
Arrangements are being handled by Pierschbacher Funeral Home of Chariton, Iowa.
