John Michael Rodgers

John Michael “Mike” Rodgers passed away on January 28, 2015, after complications from a fall at his home.

As a baby, Mike was brought to the Illinois Children’s Home and Aid Society in Chicago, Illinois in the spring of 1931. At 4 ½ years old, he was adopted by Roscoe and Ruth Rodgers, who later moved to Washington State.

After high school, Mike joined the U.S. Navy, in 1955, and served for twenty years of active duty, with tours on the air craft carriers Kitty Hawk and Oriskany. After a final three-year tour in Rota, Spain, Mike retired from active service. In a second career, Mike worked for the King County Sheriff’s Department.

Mike was preceded in death by his wife Betty, but is survived by his sister, Susie Williams, daughter Melody Hansen, granddaughters Crystal & Melissa (Emma Veritas) Hansen, stepson Gary Mattson, and Gary’s family (Karen, Laurie, Chuck, Nicole, and Shannon).

Mike was buried at Tahoma National Cemetery on Feb.10, and will be remembered at a memorial gathering at his favorite hang-out, the Mandarin Palace, on February 28th.

In his remembrance, donations may be made to the Evergreen Hospice, which gave comfort and peace to his final days.