Steve Rodger

Steve Gregory Rodger, age 72 of Coloma, entered eternal life on Thursday, September 23, 2021 at his home with his wife by his side. He was born on August 29, 1949 at Divine Savior Hospital in Portage. He was the second of 5 children born to Lester Robert and Lorraine (Nelson) Rodger.  He grew up in Oxford and attended the Oxford Bible Church where he was baptized as an adult by Pastor Joseph Smith.  He graduated from Westfield High School in 1967 and attended the University of LaCrosse for 3 semesters.  He then went on to graduate from Milwaukee Area Technical College with an associate degree.

Steve married his high school sweetheart Julie Payne, 50 years ago, on August 7, 1971 at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Westfield. He worked for Scott Construction Company for a few summers and after graduation he started working for his father-in-law at Payne’s Service Center which became Coloma Oil Company where he was Vice President.  When his father-in-law retired he was hired as a patrol officer for the Waushara County Sheriff’s Department on July 25, 1986.  He became trained as a homicide investigator and retired as a Detective Sergeant on January 11, 2008.

Steve was a member of the Coloma Fire Department and EMT for many years.  He was also a charter member of the Coloma Lions Club and held a number of offices. Steve was elected to the Village board as a trustee and a two term president. At Immanuel Lutheran Church he was an elder, member of the Lutheran Laymen’s League and in charge of the annual Fish Boil for the Orphan Grain Train.

Steve’s first love was his family.  He was the great protector for his family and always wanted the best for them.  He enjoyed watching his children and grandchildren being involved in all their extra-curricular activities.  Another joy was working hard to keep his family home in tip top shape.  He was an avid outdoorsman, who enjoyed hunting, fishing, and golfing. Steve took joy in the local men’s monthly poker gatherings filled with many laughs, popcorn, and drinks. He enjoyed watching and cheering on the Brewers, Packers, and Badgers.

Steve will be remembered for practicing his Christian values of honesty, sharing his talents of time and money, kindness, hope and love to his family and everyone he met. He also had a sense of humor that made everyone laugh and feel comfortable. Steve will be greatly missed by everyone who knew him.

Steve was preceded in death by his parents; in-laws, Elmer and Anita Payne, and his youngest brother, Robyn Rodger.

He is survived by his wife, Julie; two children, Ryan Rodger of Orlando, FL and Tara (Bryan) Brom of Dodgeville, WI; three granddaughters, Kayla, Kendra, and Kinley Brom; two brothers, Donald (Pam) Bade of Oxford, Bill (Mary) Rodger of Westfield; one sister, Kathy (Terry) Thorne of Oxford, and a very special cousin, Kim (Martha) Gaffney of Oxford; along with various other nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

A funeral service for Steve will be held on Friday, October 1, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. at Immanuel Lutheran Church, Westfield with Rev. Rodney Armon and Rev. Robert Busse officiating.  Burial will be in Prince of Peace Lutheran Cemetery, Coloma.  A visitation will be held on Thursday, September 30, 2021 from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Immanuel Lutheran Church and on Friday from 9:00 to 10:45 a.m. at the church.  In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Immanuel Lutheran Church or the Orphan Grain Train in Steve’s honor.

For those not able to attend, a recording of Steve’s service will be available Friday evening on the church website at www.ielcw.net.

Please take a moment to view the online Tribute Wall.  Send your condolences or share a memory of Steve with his family & friends.