Esther Rogers

Esther L. Rogers (nee Hischke) born November 14, 1924 passed away peacefully on December 9th, 2024. Ever tenacious, she achieved her goal of celebrating her 100th Birthday before going home to be with the Lord.

Esther was a proud lifelong resident of St. Charles County. She enjoyed driving down the cobblestones of the historic downtown while sharing stories of growing up on Main Street in the 1920s and 1930s. Esther graduated from St. Charles High and maintained close friendships with several schoolmates throughout her life. At 17, she met her husband, Earl Rogers, on a blind date. While Earl served in the Air Force during World War II, Esther worked for the Wabash railroad making 25 cents an hour. They married soon after his return. Industrious and independent, Esther continued to work while raising a family, doing everything from sales to bookkeeping and eventually working as one of John Hancock’s first female insurance agents.

Esther maintained an active civic presence as a long-time member of the American Legion and VFW. She was a fourth generation member of Immanuel Lutheran Church, where she was baptized, confirmed, married, and remained an active congregant throughout her life. Unable to attend services later in life, the visits from the Stephen Ministry provided comfort and allowed her to maintain connection with the church that provided guidance, purpose, and meaning throughout her life.

A deeply social woman, Esther cherished being around people. She enjoyed spending time at the lake with her family, and playing cards with her dear friends brought her much joy. She enjoyed sewing of all types and never turned down even the most challenging Halloween costume picked out by her grandchildren. Esther loved to travel even into her 80s, proudly crossing the Atlantic in a reverse journey to that made by her grandparents emigrating from Germany in the late 1800s.

Esther will be best remembered for her gift of connecting with others; friends and neighbors became her family. We are grateful for a century of life, love, and memories shared with Esther.