Fran "Frannie" Rogers

MADISON - Frances Evelyn Rogers, age 86, of New Berlin, Wis., passed away on October 17, 2025, after a long illness, at Oak Park Place in Madison, Wis., where she had resided for the past six years.  She was born on April 1, 1939, in Eureka, S.D., the daughter of Henry and Martha Delzer. She was sister to Delores Gunsch of Bismarck, N.D. and Harvey Delzer of Eureka, S.D. who preceded her in death.

After graduating from Eureka High School, she attended Westmar College in La Mars, Iowa and earned her bachelor’s degree in business. She worked various secretarial positions and most recently had worked as a legal secretary.  She met the love of her life, Rev. David Rogers, shortly after she graduated college, and they were united in marriage on June 7, 1964. They were married for 61 years.  She was a devoted mother to her three children. And adored her seven grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. She always looked forward to our family gatherings, and we all have great memories of being welcomed warmly at the door when we arrived, with the wonderful aroma of the delicious meal she was lovingly preparing for us.  

Fran had a strong faith in God her whole life, which was the foundation of her strength and joy. She was a lifelong church attender and most recently attended Hales Corners Lutheran Church where she loved singing in the choir with her husband. She loved singing her whole life and once even had the opportunity to sing in the choir with the Billy Graham crusade when it came to County Stadium in Milwaukee.

A lifelong gardener, she took pride in growing her own flowers and vegetables from seed and was happiest with her hands in the soil. Every summer, her garden overflowed with fresh produce that she then canned. She also loved sewing, cross-stitching, and road trips with family. One of her greatest joys was being “Oma” to her grandchildren. They all brought her so much happiness, and she poured endless love and laughter into their lives with hosting Cousin's Camp each summer, playing games, hosting tea parties, sewing lessons, Papa Murphy's pizza and Fresca Nights. She also loved being an encourager of their hobbies and interests and was very involved, attending many of their extra-curricular events with athletics, music and dance.

Fran leaves behind her loving husband, David Rogers; sister, Delores Gunsch; and three children, Kristi (Michaeljon) Murphy, Kelly (Brad) Zernov and Jon Rogers; grandchildren, Eric, Hristiyan, Jason (Lara) and Rachel Murphy, Katelyn (Brian) Gunderson, and Lauren and Linnea Zernov; and two great-grandchildren, Niko and Luka Gunderson.

A celebration of life will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL AND CREMATION CARE, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, on Saturday, November 8, 2025. Visitation will be held at 10 a.m. With a service to follow at 11 a.m. A luncheon will follow the service.

Frannie’s family wishes to thank the wonderful staff at Agrace Hospice and Oak Park Place for their loving support and care over the last years of her life. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson East

Funeral & Cremation Care

5203 Monona Drive

(608) 221-5420