David Rodgers, 97, of Cedar Rapids, went to be with Jesus, on January 12, 2024, in Marion, IA. Stewart Baxter Funeral & Memorial Services, Cedar Rapids, Iowa, is assisting the family. He was preceded in death by his wife Annalea. He is survived by his three children: Rebekah (Harold) Mally, Marion, IA; Ronald (Kum Duk) Rodgers, Madison, WI; Larry (Roxanne) Rodgers, St Paul, MN; 10 grandchildren; and 17 great-grandchildren. David served in the Army during WWII and graduated from Wheaton College where he met his wife, Annalea. He was a Chicago businessman but decided to become an elementary school teacher at the age of 36. He earned a Master of Education at Northern Illinois University. He then moved to Cedar Rapids to help start the Cedar Rapids Bible Chapel. He retired from teaching at age 62 and worked as a full-time volunteer as the assistant to the president of Emmaus Bible College in Dubuque, Iowa for 15 years. At age 77, he began working as the 'director' of mailing and inventory at his granddaughter's (Sarah Mally Hancock) nonprofit, Bright Lights ministry where he continued until his recent illness. David was an integral part of the Cedar Rapids Bible Chapel where he was well loved and appreciated. David loved his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. His devotion to his wife impacted many, especially during her long illness, and touched many hearts. He was a kind, wise, and fun father. David loved facts and rarely, if ever, got his facts mixed up, be it the population of the fiftieth largest city in Iowa or how someone was a third cousin through marriage. He was a man of the Scriptures, rising early every morning to read and study the Bible. He was a social person who liked conversing with people of every age and every type. His gift was teaching, especially the Bible. He taught kids riddles, corny jokes, and state capitals. He was delighted to serve others in any way, regardless of the task. He was a frugal man, hating to spend money on anything he thought unnecessary, like clothes. He used his frugality to be generous to others. From early childhood, he looked forward every day to the return of the Lord Jesus to this earth. Today he is in the presence of his Savior and is joyful having heard the Lord welcoming him into His glory with: - Matthew 25:21, "Well done, good and faithful servant." A Memorial service will be held at 11:15 a.m., Saturday, February 3rd, 2024, at Cedar Rapids Bible Chapel, 3412 Oakland Road NE, Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52402'For God so loved the world that He gave His Only Begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.' ' John 3:16 Please share your support and memories with David's family on his Tribute Wall at www.stewartbaxter.com under Obituaries.