David Lee Rodgers

David Lee Rodgers of Crystal Lake, IL passed away peacefully at age 79 on February 19, 2025. While residing in memory care for the last two years, David was recently diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. 

 David was a devoted husband, father, brother, and friend who touched many lives. Born June 8, 1945, to Wayne and Rose Rodgers of Franklin Park, IL. David had great adventures with his three brothers and was a lifelong learner that grew to love the outdoors.

 He married his high school sweetheart, Marcia Lynne Holik, on April 20th, 1968, in Des Plaines, IL. Married for over 54 years, they raised two daughters Heather Podgorski (William) and Shannon Rodgers (fiancé Ron Smalec). He loved his four beautiful grandchildren: Jason, Jenna, Tanner, and Tyler Podgorski. David is also survived by his brothers Jim Rodgers (Donna) of Naples, FL, Dan Rodgers (Lenda) of Holly Springs, NC and sisters-in-law Elizabeth Rodgers (Castle Rock, CO) and Marlene Holik (Pingree Grove, IL) along with many cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife Marcia, his parents Wayne and Rose Rodgers, and his brother Wayne Rodgers.

 David attended East Leyden High School in Franklin Park, IL (class of 1963). He then attended the Lutheran General Hospital school of Radiology to become a radiographer. He also earned a bachelor’s degree at Roosevelt University in Chicago. After graduation, he began a busy career in the x-ray department at Lutheran General Hospital in Park Ridge, IL. He then taught radiography for many years at Oakton Community College in Des Plaines, IL. Upon completion of his master’s degree in environmental science from Northeastern University, he continued his love of teaching at the college until his retirement in 2012. He spent many years volunteering at The Grove National Historic Landmark in Glenview IL and many prairie restoration projects.

 David adored his wife Marcia and their shared love of nature. He stayed resilient by Marcia’s side as she struggled with her own health issues until her passing in 2022. He was a passionate fisherman that shared this love with his brothers, daughters, close friends and grandchildren. There was something calming about being on his boat in the open water that David loved. He enjoyed mother nature by traveling to Ireland, Alaska, Costa Rica, Canada and the Galapagos Islands, along with family vacations. In his spare time, he loved watching sports. From Chicago sports teams to many of his grandchildren’s games, he was always excited to cheer them on. His humor, kindness and gentle manner will never be forgotten.

 Thank you to the caregivers at Clarendale of Algonquin, IL and the hospice workers of Journey Care. We appreciate your kindness, care and support. In lieu of flowers, any donations can be made in his grandson’s name, Jason Podgorski, to Matthias Academy (https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/jason-podgorski) in Benet Lake, WI.

 We will honor David at public visitation on Thursday, February 27th from 3:00 PM to 6:30 PM CST with service at 6:00 PM at Davenport Funeral Home at 419 E Terra Cotta Ave in Crystal Lake, IL. Private burial will conclude at Windridge Memorial Park at 7014 S. Rawson Bridge Road in Cary, IL.