Galen Dean Rogers

Galen “Rog” Rogers, 76, of Newton, Kansas, ran into Jesus’ arms on September 29, 2025, at NMC Health in Newton.

 Rog was born on February 16, 1949, in Smith Center, Kansas. He spent his early years there before moving with his family to Salina, Kansas, during middle school. He graduated from Salina High School in 1967 and attended Kansas Wesleyan University for two semesters, where he started dating the love of his life, Diane Malone. In 1968, Rog joined the U.S. Navy. He and Diane were married on July 4, 1969, at University Methodist Church in Salina. 

Navy life took them from coast to coast, and in 1971 they began their family. In 1974, the family settled back in Salina. While working in the cockpit of an airplane, Rog felt the Lord calling him into addictions counseling. He followed that call, graduating from Marymount College in Salina in 1981. He moved his family to Newton and began his career at St. Joseph Hospital in Wichita and went on to serve in various behavioral health organizations, including Prairie View, Health Partners of Kansas, and Central Kansas Foundation. He also served on the SAK Board for several years.

 In 1999, Rog made a career shift into Human Resources at Cessna, where he worked until his retirement in May 2014. Rog had a passion for life and for people. He loved working in his yard, climbing mountains, running, enjoying coffee with friends at Norm’s Coffee House, and, most of all, spending time with his family.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Diane Rogers of Newton, Kansas; son Steven Rogers and his wife Janel of Hesston; daughter Cory Rogers of Newton; and five cherished grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, Howard and Cecil Rogers, and his sister, Georgia Harwerth.

 A celebration of Rog’s life will be held at Grace Community Church on Tuesday, October 7, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. with interment to follow at Greenwood Cemetery. Viewing will be at Petersen’s Family Funeral Home on Monday, October 6, from 5:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m., with family present from 6:30 – 8:00 p.m. He will be deeply missed, but we rejoice in the truth that we who know Jesus will see him again.

Memorials may be made to Good Shepherd Hospice or New Hope Shelter and left in care of Petersen Funeral Home