Stephen W. Rogers III

Stephen W. Rodgers III, age 74, passed away after a brief illness at Ascension Alexian Brothers Medical Center in Elk Grove Village, IL on September 16, 2026. Steve was born in Joliet, IL on January 17, 1952 to his parents Stephen “Buster” W. Rodgers Jr. and Josephine Rodgers (née Loetcher).

Steve was born and raised in Joliet, IL. He graduated from Joliet East High School and served his country honorably as a member of the United States Army out of Fort Bragg in North Carolina. He began his career at Caterpillar Inc. before moving over to Kerr Glass and ultimately becoming a Union Carpenter out of the Chicago Heights office of Local #272 until his retirement.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers Edward and Dwaine Rodgers and his sister Catherine Colonna.

Steve is survived by his children Cynthia (Jim) Francisco, Bryan (Alexandra) Rodgers, and Timothy (Jordan) Rodgers; his grandchildren Ryan Rodgers, Kaela and Kiley Francisco, and Ava, Orion, and Maleah Rodgers; one great-grandchild Ryker Rodgers; his siblings Louis (Judy Mork) Rodgers, JoAnne Anderson, Penny (the late Ted II) Nardin, Myrtle Boex, Jim (Marie Martin) Rodgers, and Bill (Angela O'Brien) Rodgers; sisters-in-law Bonnie Rodgers and Linda Rodgers; and brother-in-law John Colonna. Many extended family members, friends, and other loved ones also survive.

Per Steve’s wishes, cremation rites will be accorded and his mortal remains will reside in the protective custody of his loving family. A Celebration of Life Gathering in Steve's honor is being planned and will be held at a future date. Details will be added here when they are available.