Alan Melvin Rogers

Alan Melvin Rogers, 81, of Brookings, South Dakota, passed away peacefully on the morning of Sunday, Nov. 17, 2024, surrounded by his loving family.
Born on April 15, 1943, in Watertown, South Dakota, to Deloures Kathrin (Sour) and Melvin Church Rogers, Alan lived a life filled with adventure, love, and service.
Alan grew up in Watertown, where his family ran Rogers Dairy and Dairyland, a local business he often spent time around during his youth. Just before his junior year of high school, his family moved to Rapid City, and Alan graduated from Rapid City Central High School in 1961. He returned to Watertown in 1963.
On June 5, 1965, he married the love of his life, Jeraldine Elizabeth Jerri (Kahnke) Rogers, at Blessed Sacrament Church in Florence, South Dakota. The couple moved to Brookings in 1966, where Alan earned his degree in Mechanical Engineering from South Dakota State University in 1969.
Together, Alan and Jerri shared 59 years of marriage and raised four children: Jeffrey Melvin (Melissa), Jennifer Elizabeth (Barb), Matthew Lawrence (Luc), and Thomas Charles (Kane).
He was the proud grandfather of Jeffrey Seth Melvin Rogers (Laura) and children Michael and Freyja; Stephanie Walburn (Jordan) and daughter Laikyn; and Collin Ervin (Mallory). Alan is also survived by a large and loving extended family, including his older sister Roxanne Crayton-Skulstad of Brookings and his younger brother Richard Rogers (Nancy) of Watertown.
Alan built a successful career in the office equipment industry, eventually partnering with Kent Leibel to become co-owner of Central Business Supply. Together, they expanded their ventures to include real estate and rentals.
A lifelong enthusiast of classic cars and rock & roll, Alan enjoyed traveling to car shows and concerts with his wife and close friends, creating cherished memories along the way. He also loved spending time with friends, car buddies, and members of B.A.R.F. (Brookings Area River Followers) at The Fort, where countless stories, laughter, and camaraderie were shared. Alans zest for life was so deep, he had it immortalized in inka tattoo reading Carpe Diem that reflected his philosophy of living fully and savoring every moment.
Alan was a dedicated community member, serving as a leader in Boy Scout Troop 4 and actively participating in the Knights of Columbus, Rotary, Jaycees, and the Brookings Car Council. Alongside friends, he was instrumental in organizing Brookings first car show. An avid supporter of SDSU athletics, Alan cheered proudly for the Jackrabbits basketball and football teams.
He also devoted himself to meaningful causes, spending 15 years building and delivering solar ovens to Haiti, providing vital support to families in need. His dedication to this mission exemplified his generous spirit and commitment to helping others.
Alan will be remembered for his deep love for his family, his infectious enthusiasm for life, and his lasting impact on the many people he touched.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 23, at Pope Pius XII Newman Center in Brookings, where friends and family are invited to honor his legacy. Visitation will be held from 5 to 6:30 p.m. Friday at Rudes Funeral Home in Brookings, followed by a 6:30 p.m. Liturgical Wake Service. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that you consider making a donation to a charity of your choice in Alans memory.
Rest in peace, Big Al. You will forever remain in our hearts. Carpe Diem!
Condolences may be sent to the family through www.rudesfuneralhome.com.