Theodore "Ted" Rogers

COTTAGE GROVE/PHOENIX, ARIZ.-Theodore "Ted" Rogers, age 63, passed away peacefully after a long and courageous battle with cancer on Sunday, Feb. 7, 2016, at his home in Phoenix, Ariz. He was born on Feb. 4, 1953, in Madison, the son of Arland and Lois Rogers. Ted graduated from Monona Grove High School where he excelled in basketball. He went on to UW-Whitewater to play basketball and received his B.S. in Social Work. He then went on to play in Europe for the next three years. Ted was blessed to have his high school sweetheart, Mary Polzer by his side thru all these experiences. Ted is survived by his wife, Mary of Phoenix, Ariz.; daughter, Lindsey (Michael) Alvarado of Phoenix, Ariz.; son, Matthew (Paige) Rogers of Phoenix, Ariz.; granddaughter, Madison Alvarado of Phoenix, Ariz.; brother, Charlie (Jenny) Rogers of Cottage Grove; sister, Kathy (Dale) Farwell of Cottage Grove; brothers-in-law, Mark (Claudia) Polzer of FT Meyers, Fla, Steve (Pat) Polzer of Dallas, Texas and Christopher (Pam) Polzer of Poynette; sister-in-law, Anne (Tom) Rothfuss of Rochester, N.Y.; and many loving family members and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Arland and Lois Rogers. Throughout his life Ted worked in many different capacities. He was a motivational speaker, author, chef and coach. Early in his career he was the Recreational Director of Big Brothers and Big Sisters. Ted's love of coaching and motivating young people brought him much joy. He volunteered on many different boards and foundations over the years. Ted had many interests; he enjoyed gardening, listening to music and playing his banjo and piano to the delight of his family and friends. Visitation will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Dr., Madison, from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m., on Tuesday, Feb. 16, 2016. A Celebration of Ted's Life will be held at BRYN MAWR PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, 229 N. Main St., Cottage Grove, at 10 a.m., on Wednesday, Feb. 17, 2016. Entombment will follow at Roselawn Memorial Park. The family welcomes everyone to an open house at 1855 SALOON AND GRILL, 218 S. Main St., Cottage Grove, from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 17, 2016. Memorials may be made to Youth Athletic Endeavors, c/o Mary Rogers, P.O. Box 44545, Phoenix, AZ 85064. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com. Gunderson East Funeral & Cremation Care 5203 Monona Drive (608)221-5420