CHESTER – Rodger Arthur Guebert Sr. "Big Rog," age 81, of Percy, IL, passed away at 12:02 AM, Saturday, July 9, 2022, in Chester, IL.

He was born June 13, 1941, in Percy to Edward and Minnie (Fastenau) Guebert. Rodger was united in marriage to Janis Jaskowiak on July 1, 1967, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Willisville, IL. They celebrated 55 anniversaries together.

Rodger was most at home outdoors and was committed to farming the land where he was born and raised. Especially fond of children, he treasured his home and family. He had a very close relationship with his father and mother before they passed, even sacrificing youthful dreams of travel and adventure to provide stability to his loved ones (a pattern that would play out all his life). He retired at Arch of Illinois, Captain Mine, as a supervisor and helped oversee the closing the of the mine; he had previously worked at Sparta Printing Company and was a veteran of the U.S. Army. He loved NASCAR and was a lifelong St. Louis Cardinals fan. When asked, his children noted how he always provided gentle but firm guidance to the family without putting himself in the spotlight, was a dreamer at heart who never lost his child-like joy of the world around him, possessed all the skills necessary to succeed (from technical to personal), and understood that a well-timed joke can help from taking things too seriously. He had a unique ability to make people laugh and never knew a stranger. Deeply intelligent, kind, and hardworking, he was connected to nature and the nature of things, from trees to dogs, coworkers to grandkids, birds to baseball. He loved profoundly and cherished building a happy and peaceful home. He always treated his friends and coworkers respectfully and was willing to do any job, no matter how difficult and without complaining. A favorite of many, his spirit and laughter will echo into the heavens as he finds his peace. He is likely to be found pranking the angels.

Rodger is survived by his wife, Janis, of Percy, as well as four children: Rodger Jr. (Valerie) of Naperville, Theodore (Elizabeth) of Brighton, David (Michelle) of O'Fallon and Kathryn of St. Louis; five grandchildren: Loran (Chris) Morris of Carterville, Sophia and Abigail of Naperville, Alexander and Maxwell of O'Fallon; two great grandchildren: Charles and Mary Jo Morris; as well as sister Darlene (Tony) Jaskowiak of Steeleville, nieces and nephews. Rodger was preceded in death by his beloved parents, and brothers, Delmar and Vernon Guebert.

Visitation will be at Wilson's Funeral Home in Steeleville, IL, on Thursday, July 14, from 5 – 8 pm. Funeral Mass will be Friday, July 15, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Willisville at 10:00 am, Father Leo Hayes officiating. Burial at St. Joseph Cemetery, Willisville. Memorials may be given to St. Joseph Cemetery Fund or Randolph County Humane Society and can be mailed to Wilson's Funeral Home, P.O. Box 217, Steeleville, IL 62288. If you're ever sad and thinking of him, find a quiet place in nature and he will be there.