Rodney Dean Shepard

Rodney Dean Shepard, 67, passed away peacefully on Monday, June 28, 2021 in Lansing, Michigan. He was born on April 4, 1954 in Pontiac, Michigan to Reginald and Joyce (Reed) Shepard. While attending DeWitt High School, Rod met the love of his life, Theresa VanDeusen, and the two would go on to celebrate 44 years of marriage this past year.

Rod was a special character who loved his job at General Motors, where he worked for 32 years before retiring as a Senior Manufacturing Engineer. His strong work ethic and passion for what he did made him a role model for those around him. He never minded the long drives, travels across the country, or long hours, he just loved the work, the cars, the challenge... and he was really good at it.

He was also a diehard sports fan. He was always cheering on his beloved MSU Spartans, and was the most loyal Detroit Lions and Detroit Tigers fan.

Rod was a good friend and family man. He enjoyed spending any time he could with his wife, children, and grandchildren. If that time together included going out to eat, going to a sporting event, or taking a family vacation, that was even better. He loved going on cruises with friends, Dee and Rick Hammond. Time spent up north - whether at the cabin in Lake or driving around northern Michigan - was time well spent in Rod's eyes, and will live on in the family's memories for ages.

He was preceded in death by his parents; Reginald and Joyce Shepard, and his grandparents; Walter and Dorthy Shepard and Hazel and Jasper Reed; his sister-in-law, Sharon Bovan; his brother-in-law, Jerry VanDeusen; and his father-in-law, Richard VanDeusen.

Rod will be lovingly remembered by his wife, Theresa; his children, Sean (Agnieszka) Shepard, Noah (Shirley Anne) Shepard, and Jyllian (Michael) Gjonaj; his grandchildren, Marta (Antonio), Paulina, Norah, Kacper, Blaze, Owen, Evan, Carson, and Elizabelle; his brothers, Randall (Jamie) Shepard and Ronald (Mary) Shepard; his siblings-in-law, Dale (Kathy) Calder, Don (Linda) Calder, Ron (Michelle) VanDeusen, Liane (Todd) Noyce, and Kelli (Cleland) Bridget; his beloved mother-in-law, Joyce VanDeusen; and many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Visitation will be held on Friday, July 9, 2021 from 4pm until 8pm at the funeral home.

Funeral Services will be held on Saturday, July 10, 2021 at 11:30am at Gorsline Runciman Funeral Home, DeWitt Chapel, 205 E. Washington Street in DeWitt. A luncheon will be served at 1pm for family and friends, following the service, at the Dewitt Moose Lodge, 15557 Old U.S. 27, Lansing, 48906.

Memorial contributions may be made in Rod's honor to the family.