Naomi Mary Rodgers

Naomi Rodgers, 86, died peacefully, surrounded by loved ones, on February 13, 2026, at Rennes Rehab in Appleton, Wisconsin.

She was born June 18, 1939, in Leaf Valley Township, Minnesota, the youngest of nine children born to Mathias Thoennes and Mathilda (Drewniak) Thoennes. She was raised on a family farm, where she developed the strong work ethic that carried through her entire life. She attended school in Parkers Prairie, Minnesota.

Naomi later moved to North Dakota with her husband and young children, where she spent most of her adult life. When her youngest child was in grade school, she enrolled at Bismarck State College and earned an Associate Degree in Data Processing. She continued her education at the University of Mary, earning a degree in Business and Computer Science.

She worked 22 years for the North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services at the State Capitol in Bismarck. During that time, she was active in the Public Employees Association and the Fraternal Order of Eagles Auxiliary. She served two terms as President and multiple terms as Treasurer. In 1998–1999, she was named “Woman of the Year” at both the local and state levels. In 2000, she was honored as “New Millennium Mrs. Eagle.” She was proud of her volunteer work and especially enjoyed working in the kitchen with fellow auxiliary members. 

In her free time, Naomi enjoyed cooking for family, gardening, and canning, which resulted in a well-stocked pantry. She loved dancing and never missed an opportunity for a waltz or polka.

After retiring in 2000, she traveled across the country trucking with her companion, Charles. In 2013, she chose to settle down again, moving to St. Cloud, Minnesota, to be near family. She loved providing daycare for her two youngest grandsons and attending their sporting events. 

She was preceded in death by her parents; sisters Dolores (Henry) Chermak, Bernice (Henry) Kalina, Audrey (George) Wilson, and Mildred (Don) Bitzen; brothers Norman (Ann) Thoennes, Lewis (Cyrilla) Thoennes, Christopher (Darlene) Thoennes, and Matthew (Corine) Thoennes; her husband of 24 years, Donald Rodgers; her infant daughter, Kimberly Becker; her son, Marty Becker; and her granddaughter, Jordan Lee.

She is survived by three children: Paul Becker of Parkers Prairie, Minnesota; Tamera Lee (Chris) of Parkers Prairie, Minnesota; and Joyce Jensen (Nathan) of Appleton, Wisconsin; six grandchildren: Nicole DeRouen (Albert) of Mandan, North Dakota; Reggie Bunnell of Mandan, North Dakota; Allison Klock (Eric) of Grand Forks, North Dakota; Lindsay Bundermann (Nick) of Starkweather, North Dakota; and Carter Jensen and Reed Jensen of Appleton, Wisconsin; four great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

Services are still being planned and will be updated when details become available.,