William “Bill” Arthur Rodgers
1929 – 2025
William (Bill) Arthur Rodgers, age 95, of Portage la Prairie, Manitoba, passed away peacefully with family by his side on May 5th, 2025.
Bill was born on December 14th, 1929, in Portage la Prairie, Manitoba, the eldest of 3 boys to Arthur and Isabel Rodgers.
On April 9th, 1955, Bill married Bernice Helen Dolejsi. Together, they built a beautiful life, initially farming in the Rosehill District before settling in Lavenham in 1963. Their union was blessed with nine children, whom they raised with love and dedication.
A lifelong farmer, Bill was always outside, whether driving a tractor, counting bales, or checking cows. He took pride in raising his full blood and purebred limousin cattle and even on occasion brought calves in the porch. He loved animals, there were always dogs, and sometimes rabbits, chickens, or geese on the farm. For a time, he also kept bees, producing many barrels of honey.
Bill always wore long sleeves — summer or winter — and loved driving down country roads with one arm out the window looking at the scenery and counting cows in the pasture.
Bill loved flowers, especially roses and lilies. He planted row after row of lily bulbs and often shared them with family and friends.
Bill loved to talk — whether with old friends or complete strangers. He could go on for hours about farming, the weather, the news, politics, or memories from his younger days.
A man of quiet strength, and unwavering dedication to his family, he was happiest with dirt on his boots, and family by his side.
In 2004, Bill and Bernice retired from the farm to Portage la Prairie, where he spent hours working on his garden. In his final years, Bill resided at Lion's Prairie Manor; in his time there he treasured visits from family, especially his grandchildren, and great grandchildren.
Bill was preceded in death by his beloved wife Bernice; his granddaughter, Ashley Rodgers; his great-granddaughter, Kylee Stewart; great-grandson, Wells Blatchford; his parents, Arthur and Isabel Rodgers; and his brother, George Rodgers.
He is survived by his loving children, Donna Kuenzi (Mark), Art Rodgers (Maria), Dave Rodgers (Lorraine Higham), Les Rodgers, Cathy Rodgers, Larry Rodgers, Karen DiPietro (Angelo), Tim Rodgers (Jennifer), and Helen Rodgers (Delnel Morse). Bill is also survived by his cherished grandchildren, Josiah Kuenzi (Tiffany), Ezra Kuenzi (Gina), Daniel Kuenzi (Evelyn), Hannah Morgan (Kyle), Karis Wiebe (Nathaniel), Rochelle Young (Adam), Larissa Stewart (Scott), Justin Kitching, Christen Rodgers, Ember Rodgers (Tyrone Taylor), Taylor Blatchford (Brad), Celina DiPietro (Nick Drabchuk), Brianna DiPietro, Olivia Rodgers, and Sophia Rodgers; 29 great-grandchildren, his brother, John Rodgers (Almeda), sister-in-law Evelyn Rodgers, and numerous nieces and nephews.
A Memorial Service to celebrate Bill's life will be held at the MNP Exhibition Center on Island Park on Monday, May 12, 2025 at 11:00 am with viewing 1 hour prior to the service. A private family burial will take place at the Rossendale Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to Valley View Bible Camp (https://valleyviewbiblecamp.com/about/donate) or Parkinsons Canada (https://www.parkinson.ca).
The family wishes to thank all those who helped care for him. We deeply appreciate all the prayers and support from relatives and friends. Bill will be fondly remembered and deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.
To share memories or leave condolences, please visit http://www.ronaldmoffitmemorialservices.com
Ronald Moffit Memorial Services in care of arrangements.