William Gary Rogers

Born on May 19, 1945, in Warren, Michigan, to Bernard and Edna Rogers, Gary was a man who knew how to get things done with practicality, a dry sense of humor, and an unwavering sense of integrity. After high school, Gary enlisted in the U.S. Army and served in Vietnam, embodying the commitment and discipline that would define his career and personal life. It was during a party that Gary met Barbara Ellsworth, the love of his life. Their connection was immediate, and just a few short years later, on February 12, 1972, they married. Together, they raised three sons, creating a family and life they cherished.

Gary was the kind of man who showed confidence without ever having to boast. He was honest, outgoing, and handsome, always knowing what he wanted and how to get it. With a dry wit, he could make anyone laugh without saying much at all. Whether it was in the workplace, at home, or with friends, Gary was a teacher and a role model, always ready with answers—whether they were about an investigative project, life, or how to keep an impeccable lawn.

Professionally, Gary’s career was diverse and rewarding. He started as a highway engineer and later became a county planner. His time at Snell Environmental Group as a civil engineer and arson investigator marked another chapter, but it was his passion for entrepreneurship that led him to start Investigative Engineering and Consulting. This business became his pride and joy, a venture he nurtured well into his late 60s. Gary’s work often took him on the road for months at a time, especially after natural disasters, where his expertise was invaluable to insurance groups. He was a familiar face at the Blue Goose, where he spent countless hours networking and volunteering within the community, always eager to share his knowledge and grow his own. In his free time, Gary enjoyed hunting, fishing, and diving in the Great Lakes, always seeking the serenity of the outdoors.

Gary is survived by his wife of 53 years, Barbara; his sons, Jason (Harmony), Todd, and Andy; his grandchildren, Rowan and Oliver; his sisters, Nancy Allen and Linda (Jim) Hawkins; and many nieces, nephews, and friends. He was preceded in death by his brother, Bob.

There will be no funeral services at this time. The family encourages all who knew Gary to remember him by making a donation to Make-A-Wish Foundation or by leaving a memory at GRDewitt.com