Riley 1946 Harry Rodgers II

Oct. 13, 1928 - Jan. 14, 2017

Condolences

ST. JOSEPH - Harry James Rodgers, II, 88, of St. Joseph, passed away, Saturday, January 14, 2017 at Lakeland Medical Center in St. Joseph.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 5:00 P.M. Tuesday, January 17 at Starks & Menchinger Chapel, 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph, with Rev. James Kraus, Jr. officiating. Masonic Rites were conducted by the F&AM Lakeshore Lodge #298. Friends may visit with the family from 4:00 until 5:00 P.M. Tuesday at the funeral home and also at the reception that will take place immediately following the service. Memorial donations may be made to the Susan G. Komen for the Cure or Hospice at Home. Those wishing to sign Harry's Memory Book online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com.

Harry was born October 13, 1928 in South Bend, Indiana to Harry J. & Gladys (Austin) Rodgers Sr. He graduated from Riley High School in South Bend, Class of 1946, earned his Bachelor's Degree from Purdue University and his Master's Degree from the University of South Dakota. His education never ended, he continued taking classes and doing research until his retirement. Harry served his country in the US Army during the Korean War, stationed in Korea. On May 31, 1959 he married Beverly “Bea” Boigegrain in South Bend. Harry was employed for several years as a teacher at Ellsworth College in Iowa Falls, Iowa and at Lake Michigan College in Benton Harbor. From 1975 until his retirement in 2000 he taught chemistry at the Michigan City Indiana Area Schools. He continued to teach summer school and substitute teach until 2004. Harry loved teaching and never missed an opportunity to help someone, even as a patient in the hospital he was helping nursing students with their chemistry homework. He was a member of the Stevensville American Legion Post #568, a life-member of Terre Coupee Masonic Lodge #204 in New Carlisle, IN, the American Chemical Society, the Experimental Aircraft Association-Barfing Dogs Chapter in Watervliet and the Civil Air Patrol. Throughout his life, Harry enjoyed flying, traveling, reading, fishing, horseback riding, taking long walks, and spending time with his family.

Harry is survived by his wife Bea; his children-Lucinda (Richard) Schultz of the Louisville, KY area, Harry J. (Kathy) Rodgers, III of Traverse City, Debra Lawrence of Annapolis, MD, Meg (fiancee Christopher Mustell) Rodgers of Stevensville; two grandchildren-Chloe & Isabelle Lawrence; his brother Robert Rodgers of Niles, MI; and his Doberman Pinscher, Max. Harry was preceded in death by his parents.

Published in South Bend Tribune on Jan. 18, 2017

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