Stephen Craig Rodgers

Stephen “Newt” Craig Rodgers, 71, of Newton, died on Thursday, December 7, 2023, at MercyOne Des Moines Medical Center. The family will greet friends from 10-11:30 a.m., Saturday, December 16, at the Wallace Family Funeral Home and Crematory. At 11:30 a.m., a Masonic Service will conclude the visitation.  A private family burial will be held at a later date.  Memorials to Upward Bound or in Newt’s name (checks made payable to Pam Rodgers) may be left at the funeral home.

Newt, the son of Richard and Barbara (Raridon) Rodgers, was born on November 21, 1952 in Marshalltown. At the age of 10, he moved to Newton to live with his grandmother, Maude Raridon. In the 7th grade, Newt met his lifelong best friend, Steve Knight.  While in high school, Newt attended Upward Bound, a program that would be important to him his entire life, at Central College.  He graduated from Newton High School in 1971 and then attended Central College and DMACC. On September 16, 1979, Newt was united in marriage with Pam Franklin at Red Rock Lake. They made their home in Knoxville until 1986 when they moved to Newton. In 1980, Newt graduated with a major in communications and a minor in English from Iowa State University.  He began his 21-year career at the Maytag Company after graduation, working his way up from the factory to being on the “Info Team” in the Communications Department. Maytag supported Newt in receiving his Masters in Communications from Jones University. After Maytag, Newt had a temporary position with FEMA, fixing parks that had been destroyed by natural disasters around the state of Iowa. After his retirement, Newt still wanted to keep busy and worked for the city of Newton. Throughout all of those years, Pam and Newt had a special place in their hearts for helping kids.  For 27 years, they fostered 38 children in their home along with many others that would be in their home for short periods of time for respite care.  Many of these children, still keep in touch with the family.

Newt was a member of the Newton Masonic Lodge #59, York Rite, and the Knights of the Temple.  He also was a member of the Newton First Baptist Church, American Legion Post 111 and a past member of the Knoxville and Pella Jaycees. His favorite role was coaching and helping with the Newton Football and Wrestling teams for many years.  He lived “Forever A Cardinal” his entire life. Newt also enjoyed writing, helping others, and traveling.  Going to and eating his way through the Iowa State Fair was an annual tradition.

Newt is survived by his wife, Pam Rodgers of Newton; children, Amanda Rodgers, Levi Rodgers, Heidi Rodgers (Scott Nesbitt), and Madison Rodgers, all of Newton and Nathan Rodgers of Saydel; his grandchildren, Zachary Perin and Mathias Rodgers; siblings, Larry (Loni) Rodgers of Waukee and Sharolyn (Carrol) Wheatcraft of Newton; three nieces; and his many, many close friends including his best friend, Steve Knight.  He is preceded in death by his parents; step-mother, Waunita Rodgers; grandmother, Maude Raridon; and a son, Joshua Rodgers.