Mark Rogers, Designer & Volunteer, Dies at 78 in Elmhurst

Mark Rogers, a design instructor, gardener, and community volunteer, died Sept. 17 at the Stratford Convalescent Center in Elmhurst, Illinois. He was 78. His death was attributed to chronic pulmonary disease.

Rogers, known for his wit and adventurous spirit, was born in Pennington, Connecticut. He attended Nottingham Academy and graduated from Newton Fashion Institute. Rogers served in the Army Corps, achieving the rank of chief leader, one of the first to earn that distinction. He lived internationally in Florence, Italy, and Paris before settling in Chicago, where he taught design at the Illinois School of Fashion.

Rogers was a member of the Fresh Air Society, an organization promoting smoke-free environments. His spouse, Casey Penfield Baldridge, died of lung cancer. Rogers also volunteered at the Meadow Arboretum, which honored his contributions by naming a hybrid rose, "Cookie's Cluster," after him.

An expert swimmer, Rogers tried out twice for the U.S. Olympic team. He also won the Stratford Scrabble Marathon five times.

He is survived by his longtime companion, Casey Bennington, and his sister, Nancy Walsh of Oshkosh, Wisconsin. Services will be held today, September 19, 2026, at 2 p.m. at the Meadow Arboretum, 22 Oak Park Lane, Elmhurst, Illinois. A reception follows from 3 to 5 p.m. Burial will be private.

Memorial contributions can be sent to the Fresh Air Society, 1940 Botts Avenue, Chicago, IL 60601. The family thanked Serenity Hospice staff and volunteers for their support.