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October 14. 2014 2:00AM Dennis Allen Rodgers Dennis Allen Rodgers, 68, raced his way upon the highway to Heaven Wednesday, October 8, 2014 at the family home in Medford, Ore. Dennis was born June 18, 1946 to Martha Emma Bryant-Rodgers and Luther Rodgers in Klamath Falls, Ore., where he spent his growing up years. The wood-products industry consumed Dennis' adult years, retiring as Cascade Wood Products' purchasing manager. His passion, other than family, was restoring and drag racing '67 and '68 Pontiac Firebirds. Hanging over the doorway of his shop for many years was the mock license plate that read: "Football, Big Macs, Cherry Pie and Pontiacs." Dennis and Jackie married December 17, 1983, blending two families and forming a loving and caring family unit. Dennis is survived by his wife, Jackie Rodgers; their blended-family children and grandchildren, Mona (Pat...Jacob) Sullivan, of San Diego, Calif., Matt (Tammy...Blaine, Braden, Emma) Rodgers, of Central Point, Ore., Randy (Tiffany...Jaxson, Jersey Rose) Rodgers, of Medford, Dale (Lisa...Alexa Rae, Evan Reed) Wolfard, of Grants Pass, Ore. and Chris (Serena...Ashley) Wolfard, of Medford. He is also survived by his brother, Ron Rodgers (Joyce...Pat Rodgers, Tracee Tubbee), of Klamath Falls and sister, Anne Hansberry (...Shane, Justin) of Canby, Ore. Dennis considered his beloved dogs, Lucy Rae and Axel Rod, members of his family. He could be seen walking with them daily in the neighborhood or at the local park. Dennis addressed his avid patriotism with his service in the U.S. National Guard following his college years at Oregon Technical Institute in Klamath Falls in the 1960s and 1970s. Dennis will be laid to rest within sight of the flag flying at Perl-Siskiyou Memorial, within ear-shot of the fire department, the station feeding his passion for the sound of racing engines. The family of Dennis Allen Rodgers, racer, Pontiac man, friend, brother, grandfather, father and husband says thank you for your support now and during his 43 years of struggle as he faced, dauntlessly, his God-given task to live through a disease that would eventually win the race. A special thank you to the several doctors Dennis entrusted to help him live an active, fulfilling, and rewarding life for many more years than he was ever "promised." God speed, and may you all win the race you're in. A service will be held at 1:00 p.m., Thursday, October 16, 2014 at Perl/Siskiyou Memorial, 2100 Siskiyou Blvd, Medford, OR 97504. Memorial contributions may be made to Rogue Valley Dialysis Patient Fund, 760 Golf View Dr., Ste. 100, Medford, OR 97504. http://www.mailtribune.com/article/20141014/OBITUARIES/310149998 © 2015 Copyright © 1995-2011 Crain Communications Inc. All Rights Reserved. Terms of Use Privacy Statement -->