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Sterling M. Rodgers Neptune, NJ QCWA # 15951 Chapter 138 |
Sterling M Rodgers, 90, Point Pleasant NJ, formerly of Neptune, died Tuesday, July 12, 2022. Sterling is predeceased by his parents Clarence and Kathryn, brothers Lanier and Karl; son-in-law Michael Riley, and his wife of 68 years Helga. He is survived by his children Linda (Charles J) Exley, Paul (Cheri) Rodgers, Heidi Riley, Chris (Jane) Rodgers and Ralph Rodgers, 8 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren, his brother, Daniel W. (Edna) of Shelton WA and his sister Vada (Larry) Hilgenfeld of Wichita KS. His unconditional love and great sense of humor will be missed by all in their 'normal' lives.
Born in Tulia Texas, Sterling was raised on a cattle ranch and rode horseback to school. He graduated Tulia High School and attended Texas Tech University in Lubbock as a ROTC scholar. With encouragement of his WWII veteran roommates, he began his amateur radio hobby and became a licensed ham operator; jeopardizing, but not thwarting his attainment of a BS in Electrical Engineering. He later returned to school and was awarded an MS degree in 1976.
Upon graduation from college, Sterling secured employment in Camden NJ, packed a bedroll and knapsack and headed to New Jersey on his "Blue Goose" Indian motorcycle via Canada.
Sterling is a veteran of the Vietnam War. For his service, he earned several medals and ribbons including a National Defense Medal, Commendation Ribbon, Bronze Star Medal, Vietnam Service Medal w/1 Bronze Service Star, Vietnam Campaign Medal w/dev 1960, and a Meritorious Service Medal w/1st Oak Leaf Cluster.
He served his country in the US Army (regular and reserves) for 38 years, achieving the rank of Lt. Col. before retiring in 1991. Sterling's military assignments brought him to Germany, Taiwan, White Sands, New Mexico, Kingsville, Texas and Vietnam among other places. Throughout his career he was able to pursue his amateur radio hobby and share and expand his knowledge of radios and communication equipment with the Signal Corp and Communications Command units of the US Government.
Upon Sterling's retirement from CECOM in 1995 he enjoyed travelling around the country with Helga, visiting family and friends he had met during his service; tinkering with many set-aside hobbies; and managing long distance the care of his parents and brother with help of his siblings. He was a board member for the family ranch: Stirrup Cattle, Inc., a Coast Guard Auxiliary member, attended Luther Memorial Church where he and Helga served on the annual German Christmas Service committee, and served as Treasurer for the Neptune Amateur Radio club.
Sterling's military experience reinforced his duty to country and honor to others which was evident in his daily actions including his daily display of the American Flag, retiring it daily at sundown. He was always honorable, respectful and civil, and used his wit and sense of humor compassionately.
Sterling will be honored in a veteran's service on Monday, August 15, 2022 at 11AM at the Brig. Gen. William C. Doyle Veteran's Cemetery in Wrightstown, NJ. To send condolences please visit http://www.obrienfuneralhome.com/