Arthur “Art” William Rogers, age 80, of Tracy, formerly of Percival, IA, passed away at his home on Thursday, December 25, 2025 surrounded by his loving family. Mass of Christian Burial was held Wednesday, December 31, 2025 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Tracy. Art had a lifelong love of reading; in lieu of plants or flowers, the family requests monetary donations be made in honor of Art to the Tracy Public Library under the “Friends of the Library” donation fund. Online condolences may be sent at www.stephensfuneralservice. com. Stephens Funeral Service – Tracy Area Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.
Arthur William Rogers was born October 26, 1945 to Edgar and Lucy (Anderson) Rogers in Nebraska City, NE. Art lived in Percival, IA until the age of three when his family moved to Tracy and settled on a farm south of town. Arthur graduated from Tracy High School in 1963 and the University of MN in 1967. He married his high school sweetheart, Linda Nelson, July 8, 1967 and enlisted in the United States Air Force becoming a T-37 jet instructor pilot. Art loved flying and his eyes would light up with excitement any time he reminisced about his Air Force days. Art and Linda had four children, Kristen, Kerrie, Matthew, and Mesa and raised them on their family farm east of Tracy. Art farmed and raised sheep for many years while also carrying mail for the United States Postal Service frequently commenting that he had the best customers on his route. Art was well known by his family and friends as someone who was honest, fair and consistent.
In addition to his military service, Art was an active member of the Tracy elevator board, St. Mary’s school board, numerous church committees, and in retirement, served on the HOA board for six years at Mountain Brook Retirement Community located in Gold Canyon, AZ. Art and Linda made many good friends in the Pinnacles of Mountain Brook. Art loved singing and was gifted with a superior tenor voice. He frequently shared his talent with St. Mary’s Catholic Church cantoring and singing in the choir as well as being in two choirs in Gold Canyon. In retirement, he took up golfing with his favorite day being Wednesday, golfing day, joining his good group of golfing friends.
Art and Linda hosted many Labor Day get-togethers at their home creating family memories of tractor hayrides to look for “cougars”, fourwheeling to check the pigs, holding volleyball tournaments and taking quiet walks to the pasture. These nights always ended with a bonfire in the driveway and spooky ghost stories!
Art was diagnosed 30 years ago with a rare liver disease, Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis (PSC) and over the last 10 years, battled and beat cancer three times. Through all his trials and tribulations, he held his head high, remained positive, and never once complained. Art and Linda were married for 58 years. Linda consistently and lovingly remained by his side caring for him at home until his last day. Art adored his family and frequently said his wife, four children and eight grandchildren were his greatest blessings. When asked what he wanted to be remembered for, Art stated, “I want to be remembered as a good provider and protector of my family that I love so much” and he certainly was.
Arthur is lovingly remembered by his wife Linda; children: Kristen (Scott) Thaden of Willmar, MN, Kerrie (Keith) Johnson of Becker, MN, Matthew (Angelina) Rogers of Grove City, OH, & Mesa (Kenneth) Scott of Sioux Falls, SD; eight grandchildren: Madison Thaden, Julia (Logan) Prouty, David Thaden, Paige & Coleton Johnson, Mason & Camille Rogers, & Eden Scott; sisters: Mary Gillespie & Ann Ellingboe; siblings-in-law: Brenda & Juergen Ankert; and many nieces & nephews. Art is preceded in death by his parents Edgar & Lucy (Anderson) Rogers, sister Linda Eilersen, siblings-inlaw: Julianne Stachmus, James Gillespie, Al Ellingboe, Hal Eilersen & Roy Stachmus.
Blessed be his memory. He will forever be in our hearts.
