W. Bruce Rogers, 81 of Traverse City passed away on June 14, 2023.
Rogers was a longtime retail advocate. His retail career began in the 1960s as a traveling salesman selling women’s apparel to stores like Jacobson’s. In 1972, he bought Bartling’s, a popular women’s clothing store on Traverse City’s Front Street. He owned and operated the store until 2001.
Rogers served on the boards of the Traverse City Chamber of Commerce, Downtown Development Authority, Traverse City State Bank, the National Cherry Festival and Rotary Charities.
He also served on the Michigan Retailers Association Board of Directors and was Board Chair for two years. Rogers was a loyal contributor to the MRA Foundation and helped to establish a Michigan Retailers Association Legacy Scholarship.
His funeral will take place on August 26 at the First Congregational Church, 6105 Center Road, Traverse City.
