Francis “Willy” William Rodgers, Jr., age 76, of Lone Tree, passed away on Saturday, Aug. 8, 2026, at the University of Iowa Hospital.
A Celebration of Life will be held from noon until 5 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 30, at the Lone Tree American Legion. A private graveside service will be held at the Saint Joseph Catholic Cemetery in Iowa City.
Born on Feb. 22, 1950, at Mercy Hospital in Iowa City, Willy was the son of Francis and Ione (Warner) Rodgers. He attended Saint Patrick’s School and Lone Tree High School. Francis was an Army veteran, serving in the 495th Combat Engineer Battalion.
He worked for the Co-op, Hawkeye Skelly, Wolf Construction, Streb Construction, and Ready Mix as a concrete truck driver for 30 years. Willy enjoyed hiking, fishing, camping, and sightseeing on his motorcycle. His destination of choice was always Colorado.
Willy’s family includes his grandchildren, Bradley Rodgers of Lone Tree and Lizzie Rodgers; step-grandchildren: Maizey Strand, Chloe Strand, Natalie Strand, and Max Strand; a stepson, Burke (Karen) Strand; and siblings: John (Marilyn) Rodgers, Patrick (Lisa) Rodgers, and Annette (Terry) Forbes.
He was preceded in death by his parents; a son, Tony Rodgers; and a sister, Teresa Rodgers Camp.
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