Clifford “Merle” Rogers

Clifford “Merle” Rogers died Tuesday, June 16, 2015 at Essentia Hospital in Fargo. Merle was born March 21, 1924 in Breckenridge, MN to Clifford and Tillie Rogers. During high school he was a member of the Hungry Five Jazz Band, and later started a music scholarship with the other band members.

After graduating high school he enlisted in Naval Aviation. After the war he attended Concordia College in Moorhead, but left to join the Paul Hanson Orchestra, a popular dance band. In 1948 Merle married Beverly Ann Olson of Battle Lake, MN. He attended Moorhead State University and obtained a degree in music education in 1971. With the Merle Rogers Orchestra, he continued to play dances in the area until the early 1970’s. He ran the FM Musician’s Union during the 1970’s.

Merle loved jazz and classic British cars and shared those interests with numerous friends. With his wife, Beverly, he enjoyed gardening, cooking, travel, and a succession of Siamese cats, all named Simon.

Merle is preceded in death by his wife, Beverly, and son, Shawn. He is survived by three daughters, Sara Kuhry Louis of Glyndon, MN, Leslie Tessie Smith Clint of Wolverton, MN and Elizabeth Kading Walter of Vergas, MN. Also, daughter-in-law Brenda Rogers of Zumbrota, MN, and grandchildren David Kuhry and Lea Kuhry Aranguiz Raimundo, both of Ft. Lauderdale, FL, Charlie Martin Rogers Nicole, Roseville, MN and Alana Deranek John of New Brighton, MN, and four great-grandchildren.