Menu

The Life of IVAN ARTHUR ROGERS

Ivan A. Rogers, 87, of Urbandale, IA, passed away at home peacefully in his sleep Wednesday, November 23, 2016. He was born in Des Moines, IA, July 2, 1929, the son of Ivan J. and Gretchen (Byars) Rogers (Folsom). He attended Des Moines public schools, served in the U. S. Army and graduated from Open Bible Institute in 1952. Ivan and his wife of 67 years, Elsie M. (Jones) Rogers were married in 1949. He is survived by Elsie; their four children, Steven (Sally), David (Dayna), Gregg, and Donna (Randall) Norris; 9 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren.

Ivan was ordained for Christian ministry in 1953 and was the pastor of churches in Clive, Des Moines, Clarinda, and Waterloo, Iowa. In 1968 he was appointed to be the World Evangelism Coordinator for the Open Bible Churches denomination. Later, he became the administrator of Valley View Village, a retirement and nursing community in Des Moines. During this time he completed courses in Gerontology and Administration at the University of Iowa and received certification in the field.

In 1973, he was elected to serve as the regional superintendent of an 8 state region of churches, a position he held until his retirement in 1994. Concurrently he also served as the president of Open Bible College (’73 – ’78). Ivan served many other offices, boards and ministries including: President of Iowa Association of Evangelicals, Chairman of Christian Service Foundation and founder and president of Good Report Ministries in which he was active until his death. Ivan was respected in the field of Jewish-Christian relations and was an emeritus member of the executive committee of the National Christian Leadership Conference for Israel. In recent years he also served as Chaplain to three different retirement communities and pastor at Cory Grove Community Church. In his retirement, Ivan authored 3 books and was very active on social media with more than 2000 friends from all over the world who followed his Bible teaching posts.

Ivan was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Ernie and Donald; sister, Norma Jean; 2 infant grandchildren, Jason and Anthony; and daughter-in-law, JoDee (wife of son, Gregg).

A memorial service will be held Wednesday, November 30, 2016 at 10:00 a.m. at Hamilton’s on Westown Parkway, 3601 Westown Parkway in West Des Moines and visitation on Tuesday, November 29 from 4 to 7 pm also at the funeral home.

Memorial donations may be given to Hope Ministries, P.O. Box 862, Des Moines, IA 50304. 

Filter IVAN ARTHUR ROGERS's Timeline by the following Memory Categories