Obituary of Thomas Lincoln Rogers

Thomas L. “Tom” Rogers, age 78, longtime resident of Iowa City and former owner of Rogers’ Shoe Repair died Saturday, January 11, 2025, at the University of Iowa Hospital and Clinics.

Funeral services will be held at 11am Tuesday, January 21, 2025, at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (2730 Bradford Drive, Iowa City) with burial to follow at Memory Gardens Cemetery in Iowa City.  Visitation will be from 5 to 7 pm Monday at Gay & Ciha Funeral and Cremation Service in Iowa City.  To share a thought, memory or condolence with his family, please visit Gay & Ciha Funeral and Cremation Service website @ www.gayandciha.com.

Thomas Lincoln Rogers was born February 1, 1946, in Cedar City, Utah, the son of Norman and Martha (Ferris) Rogers.  The family eventually made their home in Iowa City, Norm’s birth place.  Rogers’ Shoe Repair, started by Lloyd T. Rogers, was a family business, with multi-generational involvement. Tom attended Iowa City schools, graduating from City High School in 1965. The following year he enlisted in the United States Navy, serving his country for his term of enlistment and in the Navy Reserves following.  His active duty included 2 years serving as a Seaman on the U.S.S Samuel Gompers as a Radarman. Tom was united in marriage to Joyce A. Matthews on December 14, 1979, in Kennington, MD. He was very active in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, where he enjoyed singing in the choir also. He loved working at the shop and all the long lasting relationships with their customers.  His wife describes him as “the best shoe repairman around”.  Tom was one of those that could fix anything, whether it was in the shoe business or around the house, he always figured it out!  He enjoyed watching all sorts of sports and supporting their daughter, Rachael in all her endeavors.

His family includes his wife, Joyce; their daughter, Rachael; siblings, Rose Laub, Christine Sant (Leon), Jerry Rogers and Linda Stubbs (Kerry); and a number of nieces and nephews.

Tom was preceded in death by his parents; brothers Richard and David; sister-in-law, Rose Marie “Reedie”  Rogers; niece Alesha and brother-in-law, Nicholas Laub.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Iowa chapters of Alzheimer’s Association https://www.alz.org/iowa or American Heart Association https://www.heart.org/en/affiliates/iowa.