Mary Teresa Rogers
Mary Teresa Rogers of (Cataract) Sparta, WI, formerly of Chicago, IL was born October 13, 1929, in Hammond IN to Samuel J. Zdelar and Amelia (Loretta) Altenberger. Mary passed away on April 30,2025 in the comfort of her home. With her daughter, and Granddaughters at her side.
When the great depression made it difficult to live in Hammond, IN her parents moved the family to Eagle River, WI. Mary was 3 years old at that time. The family lived in a little house on Boot Lake Rd where Mary was raised as the child of a farmer with her five siblings. Mary Graduated in 1947, from Northland Pines High school in Eagle River, WI.
Mary moved to Chicago to find work. A year later Victor Rogers went to Chicago and won Mary’s heart. They were married on February 5, 1949, in Oak Park, IL. Mary and Victor were married for a wonderful 55 years before Victors passing in 2004. Mary worked for Oscar Mayer Meat Packing in Chicago for a proud 36.5 years before she retired. Mary and Victor moved to Cataract WI in 1988 and there they remained.
Although Mary lived in the city of Chicago for 38 years, her heart was always with the Green Bay Packers. Her children and grandchildren enjoyed watching her when the Packers were playing. They always cheer for a win no matter who they were playing. Mom was so thrilled to make the trip to the Packer Hall of Fame in October of 2018 and the Packers tailgate party in Sparta, where she met some of her favorite players.
After Victor passed away in 2004, Mom did not let the grass grow under her feet, she made many trips to San Diego, CA in the winter months to stay with her daughter Teresa and family. She made trips to Chicago in May for her Oscar Mayer retirees’ reunions. She even went camping with her son Victor and Milly in their new motorhome. Mom went on a 10-day cruise to Alaska with her daughter-in-law Milly. Mary had many stories to tell from her trips. Mary was the glue for her family and friends, she hosted a family and friends’ reunion on Labor Day weekend for many years. Mary was a long-time member of the Sparta Garden Club and was a leader for the Cataract Kids 4-H for 13 years. Mary is a long-time parishioner of St. Patrick Church in Sparta.
Mary was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Victor W. Rogers in (2004); sons, Victor A., John, Royal, and Chancy; daughter, Holly T. Rogers; her parents; five siblings; and two grandchildren.
Mary is survived by daughters, Mildred (Victor A) of Chicago, Patricia Lisowski of Grand Prairie, TX, Margaret (George) Mattson of Cataract, WI, Teresa (Wayne) Marsh of San Diego, CA; special friends Frank and Mari Mendez of Cataract, WI; grandchildren, Peggy Justo of Chicago, Paul A. Rogers of Sparta, WI, John P Rogers of Chicago, Laura (John) Gulso of Black River Falls, WI, Kristina (Bill) Birowski of San Diego, CA, Timothy (Brandy) Chilson of Hattiesburg, MS, Natalie and Iza March, Mindy and Jim Orth; 17 great-grandchildren, 11 great-great-grandchildren, brother-in-law Dan (Coreen) Rogers of Eagle River WI.
Our family wants to thank: Sparta Low Vision Group for helping make mom’s life easier to navigate and enjoy. Gundersen Hospice group for helping Mom so much with your guidance and friendly staff, Alli, Jen, Jennifer, Charline and more. Morrine Richards from St. Patrick’s Church for the many visits. Granddaughter, Laura Gulso the many times granny sitting and helping whenever needed, Mari and Frank Mendez for being great neighbors and friends, who always looked out for Mary throughout the years. Great grandson, Chef Erik Scafidi for cooking and being chauffeur to Milly so she could visit. John Nelson and Richard were good friends who stopped by often visiting. Sheila Adams for being like a daughter and calling every week. Conie Howe for the many visits and phone calls. We also would like to thank many friends who made mom’s life so enjoyable.
A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 2 p.m. on Friday, June 13, 2025, at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, Sparta.
A memorial prayer service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, June 14, 2025, at Lanham-Schanhofer Funeral Home and Cremation in Sparta. The family will provide a luncheon, following the service at American Legion, Sparta. The burial will follow the luncheon at Cataract Cemetery.
Visitation will take place on Friday, June 13, 2025, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Lanham-Schanhofer Funeral Home and Cremation, Sparta, and again on Saturday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of services at the funeral home. Online condolences may be shared at www.schanhoferfh.com.
Lanham-Schanhofer Funeral Home and Cremation is assisting the family with arrangements. PAID OBITUARY
