Phillipsburg Resident, Rodger Wells passed away on Friday, February 14, 2025 at the Phillips County Hospital in Phillipsburg, KS at the age of 77.
Rodger Wells was born March 13, 1947 in Phillipsburg, KS the son of Carl Wells and Ella (Weinman) Wells. Rodger grew up on a farm north of Stuttgart, KS. He went to Stuttgart Elementary School as a child. Rodger then attended and graduated from Prairie View High School in Prairie View, KS where he met and fell in love with his future wife Lorraine DeBoer. Rodger attended Hutchinson Junior College where he received his associate degree. Rodger and Lorraine were united in marriage at the Prairie View Reformed Church on July 15, 1967. He served in the Kansas National Guard and was honorably discharged.
Rodger and Lorraine have 3 sons; Dan, Scott, and Jim. Rodger had no greater joy in his life than watching his boys grow up. They often went hunting, fishing, and camping together. Rodger and Lorraine greatly enjoyed watching their sons and eventually their grandchildren play sports often traveling many miles for games and tournaments.
After marriage to Lorraine, they bought and moved to their farm north of Phillipsburg. Rodger had a strong passion for growing crops and livestock. Rodger loved harvesting and hauling the grain to the local elevators. He spent many long hours and sleepless nights during calving season to ensure the baby calves would survive the cold winter weather. Rodger had a lot of pride in his eyes when he watched the baby calves run around on a warm day.
Rodger then discovered the excitement of searching and drilling for oil. He often invested in oil wells and then eventually started Pioneer Resources, an oil company that drilled for oil and operated many leases. Everyone knew you could ask Rodger what the price of oil or cattle was each day as he was seen often checking the prices on his cell phone. He met many great people and made many great friends in the oil patch and at his local coffee spot.
Rodger is survived by his wife, Lorraine of the home; son Dan Wells and wife Jill of Hays, KS; Scott Wells and wife Michaela of Phillipsburg; and Jim Wells also of Phillipsburg. Rodger has 7 grandchildren, 10 great grandchildren, and many relatives and friends that he also considered family.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
Funeral services will be held Wednesday, February 19, 2025 at 10:30 AM at the Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Stuttgart, KS with Pastor Kathy Whitney officiating. The services will be live streamed on the Olliff-Boeve Memorial Chapel Facebook page. Burial will be at the Emmanuel Lutheran Church Cemetery near Stuttgart.
Rodger will lie in state Monday, February 17 from noon until 9 p.m. and Tuesday, February 18 from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. at the Olliff-Boeve Memorial Chapel, Phillipsburg, KS. Memorial contributions may be given to the Emmanuel Lutheran Church, Stuttgart, KS or the Phillips County Hospital c/o Olliff-Boeve Memorial Chapel, PO Box 563, Phillipsburg, KS 67661.
Online condolences: www.olliffboeve.com