Joseph G. Rogers

Joe was born on January 7, 1931 in Far Rockaway, Long Island, NY, the son of Harold and Charlotte (Craddock) Rogers. Joe lost his father early and was lovingly raised by George Rudolph. He married Margit (Euler) Schnell on September 3, 1976 and enjoyed 38 years of marriage. She preceded him in death in 2014.

Joe reveled in the freedom of growing up in the small town of Monroe, NY. His childhood exploits tales he would share for the rest of his life, influenced Joe’s diverse pursuits in adulthood. These included but were not limited to: his time as a volunteer firefighter for the Mombasha Fire Company in his hometown, and employment in Caracas, Venezuela. Joe also served in the U.S. Air Force, as Airman 1st Class, 5th Mule Train during the Korean War. Yet his greatest adventures lay ahead when, in 1958, he picked up stakes and moved to Illinois. Employed by Moss Type Corp. Joe joined the community theater group, Palatine Player where he rose to the dramatic challenges of such diverse roles as “The Bear” to Cmdr. Queeg in the Caine Mutiny. Joe loved all things aircraft so he took flying lessons, earned his certification as a National Aerobatic Judge, and experienced the German Alps in a glider.

He married Margit, the love of his life, fittingly at an Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) competition in Fond du Lac, WI over Labor Day weekend in 1976. Midlife brought Joe a partner and created an instant family with Margit’s three children. After Joe retired from Moss Type as General Manager there was time for wood working, drawing cartoons of family foibles, and mowing the perfect lawn. At a time when most senior citizens downsize and move to warmer climates, Joe and Margit pulled up stakes again and moved to Chatham where he assumed his new role as Grandpa Joe to their first grandchild, Adam. Not long after, Pop-pop, for the love of his new grandson, Anders, learned to change diapers at the seasoned age of 80 - an accomplishment of which he was very proud.

When Margit passed away in 2014, Joe was able to remain in their beloved home with the support of his family and that of his Chatham neighbors. The family would especially like to thank Russ and Peggy Mendenhall and the Beckerman family.

Imagine hearing Joe’s favorite toast spoken in his unmistakable New York accent:

Here’s to you, as good as you are,

And here’s to me, as bad as I am,

But, as good as you are, and as bad as I am,

I am as good as you are, as bad as I am.

Joe is survived by his children, Nicole (Michael) Griffith, of Crystal Lake, Lisa Schnell of Springfield, and Christopher (Erika Holst) Schnell of Springfield; and grandchildren, Adam and Anders Schnell.

Cremation will be provided by Butler Cremation Tribute Center.

Private family ceremonies will be held at a later date at Camp Butler National Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made in Joe’s honor by supporting your local senior services program or local veterans’ organization.

The family is being served by Butler Funeral Home-Chatham, 8855 State Rt. 4, Chatham.