Rodger E. Espy, 88, of Burlington, died Friday, October 2, 2026, at the Southeast Iowa Regional Medical Center in West Burlington.
Born March 23, 1938, in Darby, IA, he was the son of William Earl and Daisy Ruth Hinote Espy. On October 5, 1985, he married Paula Rae Helms in Burlington, Iowa.
He was a U.S. Navy Veteran, serving on the USS Estes from January 1, 1957, until January 1, 1961.
Rodger was a 1956 graduate of Centerville High School. He spent much of his working life as an electrician, first with Sylvania from 1961 to 1969 and then with Alliant Energy from 1969 until his retirement in 1997. He also worked for Liberty Transportation and Burlington Trailways.
Rodger believed in being involved in his community and giving his time to organizations that mattered to him. He was a member of the Loyal Order of the Moose Lodge, the Fraternal Order of the Eagles Burlington Aerie 150, and a lifetime member of the V.F.W. He also served on the board of the Des Moines County Humane Society. In his free time, Rodger had a love for woodworking and model railroading, and he especially enjoyed watching trains and learning all about them.
Survivors include his wife, Paula Espy of Burlington; one stepdaughter, Sheila R. Qualls of NY; five grandchildren, Chris Kerby, Kevin (Sarah) Kerby and Seth Jaeger, all of Burlington, Randah (Finnian) O'Doherty of Overland Park, KS, and Zofia Espy of Shreveport, LA; two great-grandchildren, Emma and Hannah; and three nieces and three nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, son, Randolph Espy, daughter, Paula A. Espy, and two sisters, Marilyn Scott and Barb Phillips.
A celebration of Rodger's life will be held at a later date.
Prugh Funeral Service is in care of the arrangements.