David Louis Rogers

David Louis Rogers went home to be with the Lord on Monday, Oct. 19th, 2026, at the age of 86. He was born in Oakland City, IN on March 21st, 1940, the only child of parents Louis & Marie (Erwin) Rogers.  He obtained his Bachelor of Arts degree from North Central College in Naperville, IL in 1962 He went on to get his Bachelor of Divinity degree from The Evangelical Theological Seminary, graduating in 1965; and was then ordained into Christian ministry in June 1965.   He began his pastoral ministry in the Evangelical United Brethren (EUB) Church, which later merged with the Methodist Church, to become the United Methodist Church. He served in several congregations, including New Jerusalem EUB Church in Elberfeld, IN, Emmanuel UMC in Princeton, WI, Zion Church in Neshkoro, WI, and First United Methodist Church in West Allis, WI.  He considered serving as a pastor as one of his greatest accomplishments and joys. He more recently had worked in planned giving with non-profit organizations.

One of David’s greatest loves was music, and it was a big part of who he was. He sang in many church choirs over the years and played the French horn in college. Those that surrounded him were used to hearing him going about his day humming or singing a tune, playing the harmonica, or his goofy signature lip buzzing which he would do without even thinking about, which started with his practicing of the French horn.

Some of his favorite hobbies included: spending time with his family, enjoying the outdoors, puttering around the house at their beloved home of 40 years in New Berlin, WI, gardening in their huge garden on Rainbow Drive, old cars, reading, beekeeping, sailing, and traveling. He was a joyful, gentle, goofy free-spirit, and all that he did, he did with passion.

He married the love of his life, Frances Delzer, on June 7th, 1964, and they were married for 61 years. He was an amazing and devoted father to their three children, Kristi (Michaeljon) Murphy, Kelly (Brad) Zernov & Jon Rogers. He was beloved “Opa” to 7 Grandchildren, Eric, Hristiyan (Gabriella), Jason (Lara), and Rachel Murphy, & Kate (Brian), Lauren (Douglas) Pino, and Linnea Zernov. He had 2 much loved Great grandsons, Niko & Luka Gunderson. 

David was the kind of person who brought joy and contagious laughter wherever he went. He had a way of making the people around him feel loved, encouraged and valued and his warmth, humor and unwavering faith left a lasting impression on everyone who knew him.

Throughout his life he endured living with Type I Diabetes, which meant more discomfort and hardship than most, yet he never allowed those challenges to define him. He never complained and would certainly have had every reason to do so, choosing instead to face each day with gratitude, strength, and an unshakable trust in God. His faith wasn’t just something he spoke about, but something he lived out through the way he loved others and carried himself through life’s most difficult moments.

Above all, David was an extraordinary husband, father and grandfather. He loved fiercely, wholeheartedly, and without reservation.  His family was his greatest joy and the love he gave so freely will continue to live on through them, never to be forgotten. He leaves behind a lasting legacy of faith, resilience, the laugh out loud kind of laughter, and unconditional love. To know him was to be loved by him, and to be loved by him was an extraordinary gift.

David was preceded in death by his parents and his wife Fran.

A funeral service will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL AND CREMATION CARE, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, at 11 a.m. on Friday, October 30, 2026. A visitation will be held at the funeral home from 10 a.m. until the time of the service on Friday.

The family wishes to thank all the staff that cared for him so lovingly at Oak Park Place for the last 6 ½ years that he lived there, as well as the care team at Agrace Hospice.

Memorials can be sent to any of David’s favorite charities: Samaritan’s Purse, Focus on the Family, Door Creek Church, and Tunnel To Towers Foundation.

Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson East
Funeral & Cremation Care
5203 Monona Drive
(608) 221-5420