Max D. Rogers, 96, Sturgis, SD passed away Wednesday, June 18, 2025 at Fort Meade Veterans Affairs Medical Center.
Max D. Rogers was born on August 10, 1928, to Mary Ellen Newman Rogers and Glen Dee Rogers on the family farm in Delaware County, Eastern Oklahoma.
He attended grade school in Mays County and Delaware County and graduated from Jay Oklahoma High School. Later, he went on to attend National Business College in Rapid City, South Dakota.
Max served his country in the United States Army at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. He also served in the South Dakota National Guard’s 109th Engineer Battalion at Camp Rapid in Rapid City, S.D.
He was employed by the United States Postal Service and retired in March 1976 from the Postal Facility in Rapid City, S.D.
Max enjoyed a second career in country music as a steel guitar player. He co-owned and managed a band with longtime partner Mike Volk for many years, retiring in 1993 and making his home in Sturgis, South Dakota.
He was a life member of the Blinded Veterans Association and the American Legion Post #33 in Sturgis, S.D., as well as Voiture #658 – 40 & 8 in Rapid City. He proudly served as South Dakota Grande Chef de Gare State Commander from 1986 to 1987.
Max is survived by his wife, Helga Rogers of Sturgis; one daughter, Linda Lou Rogers of Rapid City; and one son, Christopher A. Rogers and his wife Lorna Rogers of Rapid City. He is also survived by 5 grandchildren, including Patricia Stover of Rapid City, as well as stepchildren and step-grandchildren who loved him dearly.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his two brothers, Millard L. Rogers of Tulsa, Oklahoma, and Lloyd Pat Rogers of Disney, Oklahoma.
As per his wishes, cremation has taken place. Entombment will be held on July 2, 2025, 10:00 am at Black Hills National Cemetery near Sturgis, S.D.
Correspondence may be mailed to:
115 David Drive apt #2 Sturgis, SD 57785
