MICHAEL ROGERS

Michael James Rogers, “Forkhorn”, 63, died Tuesday February 23, 2021. He was born in Appleton on September 4, 1957, son of James and Audrey (Mullen) Rogers. Mike graduated Appleton West High School, class of 1976. Mike married Susan Rusch on May 25, 1985.

Mike worked at Neenah Paper for 39 years, retiring May 22nd, 2020. Mike was an avid outdoorsman, he always enjoyed the big deer hunt with his boys Cody and Sam, his brother Bruce “Buck”, his nephews Gunnar, Tanner, Paul, and Dustin. He spent a lot of time fishing with his wife Sue. Mike loved spending time up north on Lac Vieux Desert at their trailer. Every year he would put on the biggest fish fry and make his famous coleslaw. No one would ever leave with an empty stomach. He cherished every moment he got to spend with his grandkids Camdin and Kylee. Mike loved his 40 acres of hunting land which he spent a lot of time checking his cameras, making food plots, planting his trees, cutting firewood, taking Maddie, his black lab, on her evening runs and throwing her a stick.

Mike is survived by his loving wife of 35 years, Sue; their two sons: Cody (Jessica), and Sam; two grandchildren: Camdin and Kylee; mother: Audrey; sister: Susan (Mark) VanDerLinden, their  children: Paul, Sandy, Andrew, Jenny; sister: Lori (Michael)Bartsch (Lori's son: Dustin Rusch) (Michael's children: Elizabeth, Ezra, Leah); brother: Bruce (Karen), their children: Gunner, Brenna, Tanner; and dearly loved nieces and nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins. He is preceded in death by his father, Jim; and In-laws: Harvey and Judy Rusch.

Memorial service for Mike will be 4:00 PM on Friday March 5, 2021 at WESTGOR FUNERAL HOME, Neenah. Friends and family may call at the funeral home on Friday beginning at 1:00 PM until the 4:00 PM service. At Westgor Funeral Home your safety is still our concern. Please respectfully maintain physical distancing and limit physical contact. Masks are required. We appreciate your understanding during this time.

Mike you were my best fishing guide. You were so proud of me, even when I out fished you. I will miss our time on the lakes together. - Sue

Dad, I will miss the all the adventures and time we spent outdoors together gardening, hunting and fishing. I am also going to miss all our chats, inside jokes, stories, and our collective late-night munchies. - Sam

Dad, you raised your family and you showed me how to raise mine. You made me the man I am today. I will never forget you, my best friend. - Cody

“Hey Mike,” the many special memories and your words of wisdom will always have a special place in our hearts. You will be truly missed – Jessy

Papa, I liked it when you took grandma and I out fishing on your secret lakes. I will miss our daily wood run up north on Big Red. Our favorite song was “It Ain't My Fault” by Brothers Osborne. - Camdin

I will miss when papa would come over, it always put a smile on my face. Papa always had to finish his “pissa” before having “ice ceam.” -Kylee

Mike was a second father to his nephew and god-son Dustin, including him on many fishing, hunting, camping adventures. Mike, we were so looking forward to enjoying time together in retirement – Lori

Mike had a witty take on life, spinning stories, and making you laugh. - Michael

Mike, you will always be with me and our boys when we are deer hunting. Until we meet again brother, love you. - Buck

Mike, you were a great brother. As we got older you were a great uncle to my children and a great godfather to Sandra. We will miss your fish fry, as you would say “good grub.” I could graze all night long. I will miss you forever, love your sister. - Sue