Rogers Clark Keene, Jr.

DEERFIELD- Rogers Clark Keene Jr., age 82, of Deerfield, passed away on Wednesday, Jan. 25, 2023, at St. Mary's Hospital. He was born on Oct. 25, 1940, in Boston, Mass., the son of Rogers and Josephine (Kas) Keene.

Rogers grew up surrounded by performing arts. His father was a commercial film producer, and Rog began his performing career, directed by his father in one of the very first Coca Cola commercials on TV. Rog graduated in 1958 from Lake Forest High School in Illinois, then served in the U.S. Army Reserves for three years while in college. He graduated from UW Madison with a BS in English, 1964 and MS in Curriculum & Instruction, 1972.

Rogers began his love of teaching using performing arts to feature human relations, diversity and energy conservation. In the 1970’s he worked for the University of Wisconsin-Extension in the Human Relations Theater and Wisconsin Idea Theater, performing in schools, colleges, and State Parks. He also performed in a USO tour in Europe under the direction of David Peterson and Robert Gard.

Rogers also wrote, directed and acted in many shows in Wisconsin, with WMVS-TV in Milwaukee, Madison School District, The Johnson Foundation, Badger House, Peace Action Wisconsin, Dance Circus in Milwaukee, and the Bartell Theater in Madison.

Rogers gave his heart and was fulfilled by teaching middle school English and Social Studies at Mazomanie Elementary and Wisconsin Heights Middle School for 25 years. During his time teaching, he directed middle and high school theater productions. In 1988 a show he wrote and directed for 8th graders titled “Kid,” toured in Italy, France and England.

Rogers was very active with the Mazomanie R&R Company for more than 22 years writing, directing and acting in many productions. He loved being a Mazomanie Lions member for many years.

Rogers delighted in sports, especially basketball, and enjoyed coaching Wisconsin Heights middle school basketball teams. One of his favorite pastimes was playing for many years with a local group of basketball friends and in the local softball league. He was also a dedicated UW Badgers, Packers and Brewers fan.

After retiring, while living in Medford, Wisconsin, Rogers performed with the Medford Area Community Theater in a number of productions. He was also a loving volunteer with Hope Hospice in Taylor County.

In retirement, Rogers formed an organization, Voices Theater, where he wrote, directed and acted in musical productions. Two theater shows centered around end-of-life planning, "Now or Later?" and then "From the Start Consider the Finish," which was based on authors Susan Dolan and Audrey Vizzard’s book "The End of Life Advisor." He also collaborated with author Mary Schueller to create plays about the 1930’s Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), a national work relief program created after World War I, which planted billions of trees and constructed trails and shelters in parks (many still in use in Wisconsin today). The above shows and numerous others were performed in dozens of communities across Wisconsin. Many productions were supported by Wisconsin Humanities Council grants and Milwaukee Public Theater.

One play, "Darfur in America," in collaboration with Scott and Peggy Stallheim, was performed in 2008 on the National Mall in Washington D.C. It highlighted the then-crisis in Darfur during a several-day gathering to bring attention to the issue.

Another love of Rogers’ was working with the Midwest Renewable Energy Association’s (MREA) annual Energy Fairs. He created various workshops, installations and performances on social issues, including 2006’s Polar Bear Project of 6 installations on global warming.

Making friends was one of Rogers talents. He was generous with time, observations, wit, and encouragement. He brought out the best in people, especially in the many students, writers, actors and others who will continue to benefit from his belief in them.

Everyone Rogers touched was treated to his wry approach and goofy sense of humor. His exuberance for life was contagious. His favorite saying, at the end of a gathering was, “This has been one of the most exciting days of my life.” Rogers indeed had a most exciting life and created the same for everyone he met. He will be missed by his loving family and many friends.

Rogers is survived by his wife, Kaaron; son, Gerry (Judy) Keene; daughter, Kori Keene; brother, James Keene, Sr.; nephews, James Keene, Jr., Forrest Nelson and Brock (Nichole) Nelson; niece, Grace Keene; sisters-in-law, Ruth Nelson, Nilda Keene, Patty Feltz and Phyllis Peri; and brothers-in-law, Kurt Nelson and Kevin Nelson. He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Richard Keene; and his ex-wife and Gerry’s mother, Marilyn Haywood.

A Celebration of Life will be held at the Mazomanie Community Building, 9 Brodhead St., Mazomanie, Wis., from 1 p.m. until 5 p.m. on Saturday, June 17, 2023.  

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be gifted in Rogers’ name to the Mazomanie Lions Club, 508 Pheasant Court, Mazomanie, WI 53560.

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

Gunderson East

Funeral & Cremation Care

5203 Monona Drive

(608) 221-5420