Robert Jeffery “Jeff” Rogerson of North Aurora passed away on Sunday, March 1, 2009.
Mr. Rogerson was born December 30, 1926 in Oswego and was a graduate of Oswego High School.
After serving in the United States Marine Corps, he began a thirty-six year career with the Illinois Bell Telephone Company.
His family requested that memorial contributions be made to the Eagle Scout Scholarship Endowment Fund within the Community Foundation.
Memorials in his name may be made to the Eagle Scout Scholarship Endowment Fund.
Published by the Beacon-News on March 4, 2009
Robert Jeffery Rogerson “Jeff” of North Aurora, 82, passed away Sunday, March 1, 2009, at Willow Crest Nursing Home after prolonged health problems. He was born December 30, 1926, at home in Oswego to Jeffery and Margaret (Davis) Rogerson.
Jeff attended the Little White School, the Red Brick School, and graduated from Oswego High School with the Class of 1944. He joined the U.S. Marine Corps in 1945 and served in the Asiatic Pacific Theater. After World War II, he served as a member of the Occupation Forces in Northern China.
In 1948, he started his career in the telephone business as a lineman with Illinois Bell Telephone Company. Jeff worked in many departments throughout his career with his last assignment being the 9-1-1 Product Manager. He traveled the state working with city officials implementing 9-1-1 in their respective communities. Jeff was instrumental in bringing 9-1-1 to Tri-Com and the Aurora area. He was a founding father of the National Emergency Number Association (NENA) and the Illinois Chapter. In 1984, he retired with 36 years of faithful service.
Jeff lived in North Aurora for 56 years and served the village in many ways. He was a trustee of the North Aurora Countryside Fire Protection District, chairman of the North Aurora Police Commission, and as ESDA Director. He spent many decades as a Scout leader in the Boy Scouts, Cub Scouts, and Explorer Post in North Aurora, as well as a merit badge counselor in the Aurora area. He was honored to be an assistant scoutmaster for the Aurora area Scout troop that attended the Fourth Annual Boy Scout Jamboree at Valley Forge, PA in 1957.
He was a member at the Westminster Presbyterian Church of Aurora and served as an Elder, Deacon, and Sunday School teacher. He was also a member of the Oswego American Legion Post #675, the Aurora Golden K Kiwanis, and served on the board of directors of Jennings Terrace. During his retirement, Jeff enjoyed model railroading and spending time with his family.
Jeff was survived by his wife of 58 years, Joy nee Sandell; son, John (Mary) Rogerson of Big Rock; daughter, Julie (James) Sippel of Oswego; grandchildren, Jessica and Jimmy Sippel and Katie Rogerson; sister, Marilyn Marklein of Montgomery; brother, David (Pat) Rogerson of Florida; sisters-in-law, June Gamage of Petersburg, IL Janet (Mel) Trapp of Wisconsin as well as many nieces and nephews.
Along with his parents, Jeff was preceded by his sister, Jeanne Carlton; brothers-in-law Fred Marklein, Lyle Carlton, and Lee Gamage.
A celebration of Jeff’s life will take place at 11 AM on Saturday, March 7, 2009 at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 10 N. Edgelawn Dr., Aurora, IL 60506 with a visitation one hour prior to services. Visitation will also be held on Friday, March 6, 2009 from 3 PM 8 PM at The Healy Chapel, 332 W. Downer Pl., Aurora, IL 60506. A private burial will be held at Lincoln Memorial Park.
Memorials may be given to the church or The Eagle Scout Scholarship Endowment Fund c/o Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley, 111 W. Downer Pl., Ste. 312, Aurora, IL 60506 or The Aurora Golden K Kiwanis Club, P.O. Box 4523, Aurora, IL 60507. For further information, please call 630-897-9291 or visit our website at www.healychapel.com to leave a condolence.
