Willis Rodey Obituary (1917 - 2003)

WILLIS O. RODEY Willis O. Rodey, age 85, of Menomonie, died Saturday June 14, 2003 at his home in the Town of Sherman, Dunn Co. Willis Otto Rodey was born on July 4, 1917 in the Town of Sherman, Dunn Co., WI to Otto and Bertha (Grundeman) Rodey. He graduated from Roach Elementary School in the Town of Sherman. After school, he helped his parents run the family farm. He married Esther Thorson on Aug. 27, 1946 at Peace Lutheran Church in Menomonie. Together they took over the family dairy farm in 1947. In his later years, he raised beef cattle. As a young man, Willis was an avid trapper and loved playing baseball with local teams. Later in life, he enjoyed playing cards, watching the Green Bay Packers on TV and loved to talk about farming and visiting with his neighbors. Willis is survived by: A son, Steve (Joan) Rodey of South Milwaukee, WI 2 grandchildren, Michael and Jennifer 1 brother, Louis (Eleanor) Rodey of Menomonie 1 sister, Dorothy Baker of Menomonie 1 sister-in-law, Mabel Krueger of Menomonie Nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Esther; 1 brother, Lloyd; 2 brothers-in-law, George Baker and Harry Krueger Funeral services 11 AM Fri., June 20, 2003 at Peace Lutheran Church in Menomonie with the Rev. Dale Freberg officiating. Burial in Peace Lutheran Cemetery. Visitation 5 - 8 PM on Thurs., June 19 at Olson Funeral Home in Menomonie and on Fri. at the church 1 hour prior to the service.