Barbola Funeral Chapel

Duane R. "Pudge" Rogers

Duane Roy “Pudge” Rogers, age 93, of New Holstein, formerly of Redgranite, died peacefully on Monday, November 4, 2024, at LakeHouse of New Holstein. He was born at home on June 26, 1931, in Poy Sippi, WI, the son of Rolland and Naomi Everett Rogers. Truck driver.

That was the obit Pudge told Cheryl to write.

However, those few sentences do not take into account that after graduating Manawa High School, Pudge drove truck from the age of 18 until he retired at 85 years old with a break during the Korean War when he served as a helicopter mechanic in the Army. He was a confirmed bachelor, until he met Janet Piette Lind and her children, Richard and Cheryl. He knew immediately they were meant to be his family. On March 27, 1967, they were united in marriage at Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church in Poy Sippi.

Those sentences do not acknowledge how much Pudge enjoyed cheering on his kids, then grandkids, in high school sports, or watching their musical or dramatic performances. As a truck driver, it was not uncommon to see a semi in the high school parking lot, never missing his kids’ events.

While Pudge claimed he was “just” a truck driver, he was also an avid golfer. He enjoyed golfing with his friends in Texas and with his late stepson, Richard. After being married for over 50 years, Duane knew just how to push Janet’s buttons to get a rise from her for the purpose of entertaining their kids and five grandchildren. Even though he teased he never missed calling Janet when he was on the road, checking in several times a day just to say hello and to remind Janet that he loved her.

Duane enjoyed reading, music, history, telling stories about the open road and in his younger days a cold PBR. As much as he insisted the only people he liked were his family, he enjoyed talking with anyone that came across his path, and those that listened usually came away with a good story.

He is survived by his stepdaughter, Cheryl (Craig) Heller; daughter-in-law, Beth (Beutler) Lind; five grandchildren, Jessica (Robert) Muller, Amie (Nicholas) Johansen, Amanda (Matthew) Streicher, Matthew (Amy) Lind and Clara (Jack Wood) Lind; eight great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. Duane was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Janet, on March 2, 2023; stepson, Richard Lind; and brothers, Raymond (Helen) Rogers and William (Elvira) Rogers.

The family would like to thank Calumet County Hospice and LakeHouse Care Facility in New Holstein. While they spent time making him comfortable, they exchanged stories and experiences which helped make his days much more enjoyable. Thank you all for the quality time spent with Duane. Arrangements have been entrusted to Barbola-Hempel Funeral Chapel in Poy Sippi. According to his wishes, there will be a private family burial at Brushville Cemetery. If you'd like to give a memorial, please send something to your favorite charity. Anyone wishing to send a sympathy card to the family, please mail to Duane Rogers, c/o Barbola-Hempel Funeral Chapel, PO Box 201, Poy Sippi, WI 54967.