November 14, 1955 – July 27, 2026
Rodger Lee Shamhart, age 70, of Newton, Illinois, passed away at 6:05 PM on Monday, July 27, 2026, at the family farm.
Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30 AM on Tuesday, August 4, 2026, at Saint Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church in Sainte Marie, Illinois, with Fr Pawel Luczak, celebrating mass. The burial will be in the Bethel Cemetery northwest of West Liberty, Illinois. A visitation for family and friends will be held from 4:00 to 7:00 PM – Monday, August 3, 2026, at the Saint Mary’ Parish Center in Sainte Marie, Illinois. A rosary will be prayed at 10:00 AM on Tuesday, before the mass. In loving memory of Rodger, memorials may be made to the Vogt Grandchildren Education Fund. Arrangements are under the care of the Meyer Funeral Home in Newton, Illinois. The obituary can be viewed and condolences left at www.meyerfh.com.
Rodger was born on November 14, 1955, in Effingham, Illinois, the son of Lester Don and Wanda Lee (Cummins) Shamhart and grew up near Latona in Jasper County. He attended Muddy Grade School and graduated from Newton Community High School with the Class of 1973. On August 9, 1980, he married Julie Frohning at Saint Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church in Newton, Illinois. Together, they shared 45 years of marriage.
Rodger was a faithful member and served as an usher at Saint Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church in Sainte Marie, Illinois. He was also a member of Knights of Columbus Council #1704, the Jasper County Farm Bureau, and Sons of the American Legion Sainte Marie Squadron #932. He served as a 4-H goat and sheep superintendent at the Jasper County Fair, supporting his girls and other youth.
In the late 1970’s Rodger started hauling grain for Homer Lobmier and later hauled coal to the power plant. He drove as an over the road truck driver for Sherwin-Williams for 31 years while helping to care for the family farm. After retirement he devoted his time to farming.
Spending time with family and friends was always a priority for Rodger. Whether playing the upright bass and guitar with friends, listening while he went about his day, or attending live events, Rodger loved music in so many ways. He loved taking Jeep rides, traveling, and planning camping trips with family and friends. He especially enjoyed having his faithful companion, his dog Heidi, by his side as they checked on the farm. Rodger also enjoyed sampling craft beers, feeding and watching birds, and caring for the sheep & chickens.
Rodger lived by the motto, “Don’t let the old man in.” He was the biggest cheerleader for his girls and grandchildren and could often be found supporting them at school, sports and 4-H activities.
Rodger is survived by his wife of 45 years, Julie Shamhart of Newton, Illinois; daughters, Lindsey (Kevin) Vogt of Newton, Illinois; and Angela Shamhart of Columbia, Illinois; grandchildren, Josie, Logan, Lane, Claire, and Emily Vogt; brothers, Brad (Josie) Shamhart of Wheeler, Illinois and Bruce “Doodle” Shamhart of Wheeler, Illinois; and father and mother-in-law, Carl and Pauline “Polly” Frohning of Newton, Illinois. Several nieces, nephews, and numerous friends also survive.
Rodger was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Randall “Randy” Shamhart.
