Robert (Bob) Rodgers, 81
Robert (Bob) Rodgers, 81, of Bridgeport, Nebraska, passed on from this life on February 3, 2022, at Skyview at Bridgeport. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. 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 Road U, Gering, NE 69341. Online condolences for the family may be left at www.bridgeportmemorialchapel.com.
Robert Gene Rodgers (along with his twin brother Richard Gyle) was born to Herman and Cora (Henson) Rodgers on October 16, 1940, near Redington, NE. 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-firstsight 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 five 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 Fair Board.
He never met a stranger, always striking up a conversation wherever he went. You knew if he went to town to not 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 shone 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; and great-grandchildren: Wesley, Wade, BellaRose, Maximo, Bentley, Lilly, Dallan, Kyler, Layla, Braelynn, and Nina.