Richard "Dick" Rogers

Richard “Dick” Rogers, age 88, of Sidney, NE, passed away at the Sidney Regional Medical Center on Wednesday, December 17, 2025, leaving behind a land and community forever shaped by his life. Cremation has taken place and a Celebration of Life will take place in April of 2026. In lieu of flowers you can make memorial contributions to the family’s name for a later designation.

You may view Dick’s Book of Memories, leave condolences, photos, and stories at www.gehrigstittchapel.com. 

Gehrig-Stitt Chapel & Cremation Service, LLC is in charge of Dick’s care and funeral arrangements.

A lifelong rancher and cowboy, Dick lived by hard work, honesty, and a deep respect for cattle, horses, and the land entrusted to his care. His boots were worn, his hat well-shaped, his hands callused, and his handshake firm—marks of a man who worked hard, spoke plainly, and kept his word. He leaves behind a legacy of loyalty, love, and an amazing work ethic.

From before sunrise to long after the stars appeared, Dick found purpose in honest work. He led quietly (except at times when moving cattle and we weren’t doing something right), taught generously, and inspired those around him through example. To ride alongside him was to learn the meaning of responsibility, humility, grit, pride in a hard day’s work, and care for the cattle and land.

More than a rancher, Dick was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great- grandfather, and friend. He loved deeply, laughed easily, and offered quiet wisdom earned through years of experience. He found joy in simple things—good coffee, good steak, good cattle, a well-trained horse, a strong fence line, and an honest day’s work. His quiet strength and steady presence meant everything to those who loved him.

Dick was born in Walsenburg, Colorado, on April 23, 1937, the youngest of ten children born to Earl and Elizabeth Rogers. In 1959, he married the love of his life, Alaire Lynn Burchett, and together they built a life rooted in love and hard work. They welcomed four children: Annie, Gay Dawn, Monte, and Bren Dee. Over the years, Dick worked for the Colorado Brand Board, managed the Chimney Canyon Grazing Association for 42 years, and earned recognition as a Sales Representative for Master Mix Feeds. He also shod horses, built livestock trailers, and enjoyed singing country songs, dancing with Lynn, team roping, neighborhood brandings, leatherwork, and attending rodeos.

He is survived by his wife Lynn; children Annie and husband Donnie Vocu, Gay Dawn and husband Kevin Stone, Monte and wife Georgia, Bren Dee and husband Dave Donaldson; grandchildren Jimie Lyn Ridnour and children Aspyn, Beau, Tymber, Levi and wife Rhonnie Ridnour, and their children Rhett and Koe, Dustin and wife Allie Rogers and children McCoy, Jennings, Amanda and husband Ethan Eddington and their son Wade, Hunter Rogers and wife Emma Bolyard; sister Ruth Zellar; brother and sister-in-law Chuck and Barb Wolf; brother-in-law Pat McNamara; sister-in-law Sherry Wolf; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Dick is preceded in death by his parents, Earl and Elizabeth; siblings Milo and wife Florence, George wife Pearl, Tom, Jeff and wife Wiletta, Bill and wife Madelyn, Ethel and husband Hubert Furphy, Betty and husband Lawrence Bowdino, Edith Majors; father- and mother-in-law Don and Helen Burchett; brother-in-law Tommy Zellar; and sister-in-law Brenda McNamara.

Dick’s legacy is not measured in acres or cattle but in character. His life was a testament to perseverance, humility, and love for family. Though he has taken his final ride, his spirit remains in the wind across the pastures, and his influence endures in every corral built, post hole dug, fence mended, and horse saddled.

Dick was a Beloved Husband, Dad, and Friend, he was loved by all that knew him; he will be deeply missed and forever respected. His legacy will live on in the values he passed down, the wonderful memories made, and the land he loved.