William Edward Rogers, 73, of St. Jacob, Ill., born November 8, 1941, in Chicago, Ill., died Sunday, June 21, 2015, at St. Joseph's Hospital, Highland, Ill.

William retired from Sigma-Aldrich in 2004, with 20 years of service. He was a member of the Ethical Society of St. Louis, Mo. Always ready to lend a hand, he helped build the water shed, and plant prairie grass in Southern, Ill., and helped the St. Jacob Township Park in the planting of trees. William was active with the Cub Scouts, astronomy, and star watching. Most of all he enjoyed his fishing trips.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Edward J. and Cecelia, nee Radziejewski, Rogers; and a brother, Richard Rogers.

Surviving are his wife, Barbara, nee Byrnes, Rogers; his children, James (Hong) Rogers of Edwardsville, Ill., and Jeannine (Anthony) Butler of St. Jacob, Ill.; his grandchilren, James and Francesca Butler, and Elaine, Emily, and Emma Rogers; and a brother, Thomas (Susan) Rogers of Villa Rica, Ga.

Memorials may be made to St. Jacob Township Park or Missouri Botanical Gardens. Online expressions of sympathy may be made at: www.Richesonfh.com.

Friends may call from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, June 25, 2015, at Aebischer Richeson Funeral Home, St. Jacob, Ill.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, June 26, 2015, at the funeral home, with Fr. Pat Jakel officiating. Burial will be in Keystone Cemetery, St. Jacob, Ill.

AEBISCHER-RICHESON FUNERAL HOME, St. Jacob, Ill.