Attention South Dakota pheasants and Missouri River walleye - you have one less sportsman on your trail….

Charles 'Emmet' Rogers, age 85, passed away peacefully January 30, 2026 after a life filled with deep faith, love of family, hard work, and an amazing appreciation for the beauty and bounty of nature and all the goodness God created.

A proud North-Ender, born September 21, 1940, raised under the spires of St. Joseph Cathedral, Emmet was known for his wit, blue eyes, storytelling, and comical situations that followed him wherever he went. His smile was infectious and he shared it often.

He graduated from Cathedral HS in 1958 and then attended the University of SD in Vermillion. He would marry the true love of his life, Mary Gayle McDowell, on December 28, 1961, beginning a partnership that spanned more than six decades. Together they raised five children. In those early years, he made it a priority to mentor resilience, curiosity, adventure, and love of God in each of them.

Emmet started his career at Norwest Bank in Sioux Falls, where he made lifelong relationships. He subsequently started Rogers Realty with his brother Pat in 1972. Mick McDowell joined the pair, and McDowell-Rogers Realty opened in 1983. Emmet's professional pride and joy was his role in the development of Prairie Tree and Prairie Green in the early 1990's. His interest in the growth and development of Sioux Falls forever transformed the landscape south of 57th and Minnesota Avenue from corn stalks to rooftops.

His greatest joy was his family and watching it grow. Celebrating milestones, hosting 'Manners' Dinners' for the grandchildren, the re-telling of his Rex and Yuma sagas, cheering on their passions, and chaperoning their travels and adventures. He leaves behind a legacy of humor, generosity, kindness, and his faith as a daily Mass attendee. His earthly story is now complete, but the lessons and love he gave will continue to be lived and shared for generations to follow.

Emmet is survived by his wife, Mary Gayle; children, Thad (Liz) of Sioux Falls, Mike (Valerie) of Addison TX., Pat (Teri) of Sioux Falls, Tom (Carol) of Sioux Falls, and Katy (Peter) Sonstegard of Sioux Falls; 14 grandchildren, 5 great-grandchildren, his sister, Susan (Wayne) Pier, of Chicago; and many nieces and nephews.

Emmet was preceded in death by his parents, Si and Clara Rogers; brothers, Tom and Pat Rogers; baby brother, Michael Rogers; and brother-in-law, Jerry Reedy.

A private Funeral Mass and Burial were held at St. Joseph Cathedral and St. Michael Cemetery in Sioux Falls Monday, February 2, 2026.

In place of flowers, the family requests that memorials be directed to Avera Hospice or Bishop O' Gorman Catholic Schools.