Curtis C. “Curt” Rodgers

Curtis Charles “Curt” Rodgers, 81, of Huntsville, MO formerly of Platte City, MO died Friday April 10, 2020. He was born March 23, 1939 in Ottumwa, IA to Stanley C. and Mabel (Schock) Rodgers.

He married Linda Jean Grinter on May 21, 1967 in Oskaloosa, KS and she preceded him in death on December 22, 2003; also preceding him in death were his parents and brother Clair Rodgers.

Curt graduated from Iowa State in 1960 with a Bachelor of Science in Animal Husbandry. In 1960, he entered into the purebred livestock auction business. Over the next 55 years, he sold purebred cattle and Arabian and Standardbred horses in more than 41 states, every province of Canada, the Bahama Islands, and Denmark. In 1971, he created the sales management firm North American Auction Company which he owned and operated for more than 50 years. He also purchased and published the Better Beef Business for  several years. Curt continued his career as an auctioneer until his late 70s. His influence and leadership in the purebred livestock business was recognized when he was inducted into The Livestock Marketeers Hall of Fame in 2004.  In 1981, Curt created Trophy Country, an outdoor recreation business, which he continued to own and operate with his family until his passing. 

He is survived by his six children: Shannon Ockerhausen and husband Scott of Chesterfield, MO; Matthew “Duke” Rodgers of Huntsville, MO; Brady Rodgers and wife Carey of Platte City, MO; Clint Rodgers and wife Tabitha of Hallsville, MO; Catrina Huebner and husband Brian of Ballwin, MO; and Kevin Rodgers and wife Melissa of Lee’s Summit, MO. He is also survived by 15 grandchildren: Sydney, Hayley, Parker, Shellie, Barry, Cody, Alec, Luke, Jake, Olivia, Ava, Jenna, Winston, Adeline, and Scarlett, and other relatives and friends.

In lieu of flowers, memorials to the American Cancer Society c/o the Rodgers family, 4472 Private Road 1296, Huntsville, MO 65259 are suggested.          

Services honoring and celebrating Curt’s life were held at the Linda Rodgers Faith Cemetery near Huntsville.