Michael Rogers
Born in Pratt Community Hospital on February 16, 1942, to Mildred Thelma Vail and Ralph Rexford Rogers, Michael grew up in Pratt, Parker, and Osawatomie before moving to Lawrence where he graduated from the University of Kansas. To afford KU, Michael worked for the Missouri Pacific Railroad and he made time to play tympani with the orchestra, snare drums with the band in addition to being a member of the Rugby club. He is a life member of the KU Alumni Association and father of two KU graduates.
Next he lived and worked in Topeka, Kansas, where he met his devoted spouse. They were married at Countryside Methodist Church in Topeka on November 19, 1966. He accepted a position in Dodge City, they moved, she gave birth to their children in Dodge City; but, shortly after the birth of their second child he accepted a position in Manhattan where they lived out his marvelous life.
Michael is survived by his loving spouse, Karen Terrel Rogers of Manhattan, Kansas, and two daughters Kelli Rogers of Oklahoma and Kristy (Jud) McKee of California, as well as his beloved grandson, Michael McKee of California. He also leaves behind his brother, Charles (Norma deceased) Rogers, nephew Jon Rogers and his children Miriam & Mackenzie of Overland Park; his nephew Greg Tomberlin of California and nieces Nancy (Scott) Davis of Massachusetts and Julie (Dan) Ramos of California and their children, Patrick (Erika) Ramos and Matthew (Courtney) Ramos of California and Courtney (Kellen) McLoughlin of Colorado.
Michael was joyful in nature. An avid fisherman, outdoorsman, golfer, and expert marksman, who appreciated Shakespeare, world history and the arts-an admirer of the Bolshoi Ballet, the Berlin Philharmonic, and opera. He played timpani under Aaron Copeland at K-State's McCain Auditorium and frequented Manhattan, New York, to enjoy live performances from some of the most amazing performers of our lifetime. He appreciated architecture, enjoyed spending time in museums and galleries - especially the Frick Gallery and was a true aficionado of delicious food.
Michael built a remarkable career over more than four decades at Varney & Associates, CPAs, LLC, specializing in Governmental and Non-Profit Accounting. He served as President and CEO for ten years and as Quality Control Officer after retirement. He was especially proud of leading a productive professional atmosphere that relied on positivity and teamwork as well as spearheading the change to a paperless environment.
A highly respected Certified Government Financial Manager and Certified Professional Management Advisor, Michael's expertise served a wide spectrum of public, private, and nonprofit entities-from cities and counties to educational endowments and federal agencies. His service reached national prominence through roles on state and federal legislative committees, including appointments under President Jimmy Carter through an Executive Exchange Committee with James Roosevelt in Washington, D.C. and The White House, President's Commission on Executive Exchange under Presidents Carter and Reagan.
His professional influence was matched only by his community engagement. He received the 4th Annual Distinguished Services Award and served on the Board of Directors for the Kansas Society of Certified Public Accountants and was a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants. Also, served as Chairman of the Kansas State Board of Accountancy and held roles on the Governor's Commission on High Technology and the Kansas Twenty-First Judicial Nomination Commission. He was appointed by former Governor Sam Brownback to the Board of Trustees for Kansas Public Employees Retirement System (KPERS) for two terms and served on the Advisory Council for the Small Business Administration.
Michael was a member of Lafayette Lodge #16, a 33rd Degree Scottish Rite Mason, Shriner KCCH, part of the Royal Order of Jesters. He was also active in the Manhattan Rotary Club, the Manhattan Chamber of Commerce, one of the founders of Colbert Hills, a proponent of the Manhattan Mall project, the bridge and four lane highway. He was an advisor for the business major program design at the Vocational - Technical School, Director of the Riley County Chapter of the American Red Cross, Treasurer and Board member of the United Way, Chairman of the Public Building Commission, and a member of the Downtown Redevelopment Advisory Committee.
He was a longtime supporter of Kansas State University, acting as auditor for both the K-State Alumni Association and Foundation for over 40 years and mentoring countless K-State Scholars preparing for prestigious Rhodes, Truman, and Marshall scholarships. He was part of the Presidents Club of K-State's Hale Library Board, a key supporter of McCain Auditorium, and life member of K-State's Alumni Association.
Michael's passion for service extended into his military and civic involvement. He was a two-term President of the Association of the United States Army (AUSA), honored by Fort Riley as an Honorary Trooper and Honorary Commanding General. He participated in the National Security Seminar at the U.S. Army War College and the Joint Civilian Orientation Conference hosted by the Department of Defense. Highlights included being a guest of the Army's Big Red One with General Andy Seitz to visit Germany - including Berlin before the wall came down and a performance featuring Rudolf Nureyev.
Whether mentoring future scholars, serving his nation and state, or casting a line in a quiet lake, Mike lived a life of purpose, humility, intellect, and generosity. He leaves behind a community far better for his presence-and a family eternally proud of him.
The family encourages donations to the Kansas State University Foundation, Hale Library Concert Series, or a charity of your choice in his honor. Donations may be sent to the Anderes-Pfeifley Funeral Home, P.O. Box 176, Riley, Kansas 66531.
Condolences may be left for the family at www.apfunerals.com.