Robert Rodgers

February 3, 2022 at Skyview at Bridgeport. Visitation will be Tuesday, February 8th from 5-7 pm

at Bridgeport Memorial Chapel. Funeral services will be held at 2 pm on Wednesday, February

9, 2022 at Gloryland Church in Bridgeport, with burial to follow at Redington Cemetery. In lieu

of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to any of the following

organizations: Morrill County Rodeo, Farm, & Ranch Association, PO Box 157, Bridgeport, NE

69336; Legacy of the Plains Museum, 2930 Old Oregon Trail, Gering, NE 69341, or Buckboard

Therapeutic Riding Academy, 270388 County Rd U, Gering, NE 69341.

Robert Gene Rodgers (along with his twin brother Richard Gyle) was born to Herman

and Cora (Henson) Rodgers on October 16, 1940 near Redington, Nebraska. As a child, he

really DID walk uphill, in the snow, both ways, to the one room schoolhouse near the family

home. He spent the majority of his life on the family farm and ranch southwest of Bridgeport,

with the exception of his time serving in the U.S. Navy from 1963-1966. His travels took him to

the shores of Vietnam, Louisiana, and eventually California, where he met the love of his life,

Celeste Joy Walker. It wasn't exactly a love-at-first-sight story, at least not for her…Celeste

would later say that she thought “Rodge” was a total jerk the first time they met. Apparently, he

grew on her, as they spent the next 55 years together!

Bob and Celeste were married on January 7, 1967 in Fresno, California. On the trip back

to Nebraska, ornery “Rodge” took every back road he could find, just to confuse the city girl. His

new bride may have had her doubts about what she had gotten herself into, but quickly fell in

love with the rural setting and ranch life.

The couple was blessed with 5 children: Mark Thomas, Steven Ray, Michael James,

John Robert, and Jodie Angeline.

Bob was one of the true, real cowboys, probably riding a horse from the time he was a

toddler. He was also known to ride more unusual critters, like his longhorn steer, Charlie. Bob

and Celeste spent several years at Cheyenne Frontier Days, where they drove wagons in the

parades and made lifelong friends. Some of his favorite activities were driving his team and

wagon in parades and taking children caroling at Christmas time. He was a steady fixture at

every 4th of July rodeo, often hauling the rodeo royalty in his wagon for the Grand Entry. For several years, he rode in the Pony Express reenactment. He was a member of the Morrill County Sheriff’s Posse and the Morrill County Fairboard.

He never met a stranger; always striking up a conversation wherever he went. You knew

if he went to town, not to expect him home for several hours. He definitely had an ornery streak,

always joking and teasing. He was also known to show up at auctions and bring home lots of

unnecessary things. These “treasures” included random trinkets, vehicles, and even once, his

own steer that he had taken to the sale!

Bob and Celeste shared many great times, as well as challenges and unthinkable

tragedies. But the one thing that always shined through was their exceptional love for each

other and their family.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents Herman and Cora, brothers Richard and

Jimmie, sisters Irene and Linda, sons Mark and Steve, and his loving wife, Celeste.

He is survived by his children: Michael Rodgers, John Rodgers, Jodie (Clint) Holthus,

niece Sandra (Dennis) Widener; Grandchildren: Jessica Rodgers, Brooke (Ryan) Phillips,

Korban Waid, Zane Miller, Colton Holthus, Riley Holthus, Nicole (Jacob) White, Kinsley

Cornelison, Allyssa Rodgers, Aaron Luce, and A.J. Luce; Great-grandchildren: Wesley, Wade, BellaRose, Maximo, Bentley,

Lilly, Dallan, Kyler, Layla, Braelynn, and Nina.