Born June 14, 1930 in Akron, Ohio to William John and Elizabeth (Bessie) Souverain Ederer, died on March 15, 2013. Rodger was a graduate of the University of Akron, served in the United States Army in Japan, and graduated from the University of Michigan Law School. He practiced law in the Lansing area from 1957 until retirement in 1998. He represented investor-owned gas, electric, and telephone companies, and oil and gas companies. He was a shareholder in the firm now known as The Loomis Group. Rodger was also a director of the Upper Peninsula Power Company, C.C.S. Systems, Inc., and Impressions 5 Musuem. He traveled to India, Iceland, Europe, East Africa, Central America, and Brazil. Historical, religious, and scientific texts influenced his inquiring mind. Rodger was a member of the Okemos Community Church. Rodger never ran out of things to do, and always wanted to learn something new. After practicing law for 40 years, Rodger began to build elegant furniture, including cabinets, dressers, tables, and a sofa. He also made beautiful hand-turned wooden bowls. He greatly enjoyed volunteering with the Capital Area Literacy Coalition in his retirement, and appreciated meeting individuals new to our country. Rodger was a long-time supporter of fine art and environmental groups. In recent years he took up life drawing, enjoying new friends and a new pastime. New York City, Chicago, and New Orleans were favorite cities to visit and explore. He is survived by his lovely family: wife Virginia, son Eric, and daughter Shana. Other survivors include brother Alan E. Ederer of Akron, Ohio; nieces Jill (Andy) Pressler, Janice Ederer, Erin Bethea, Patti DeMaio; nephews David (Helen) Ederer, Jack (Kim) Ederer, Jay Ederer, Robert (Kim) Ederer, Todd (Cindy) Ederer; brother-in-law, Joseph Rueth; cousins, Roseland and Mary Lou Ederer; and members of the next generation. Special in-laws include Carol and Rick Morrison of Navarre, Florida; Campbell and Connie Fowler of Great Falls, Montana; and Joyce and son Dean Schankin of Tampa, Florida. Rodger was predeceased by brothers Bill, James, and Howard Ederer; sisters, Helen and Dorothy Ederer; nieces Leslie Fass and Gretchen Rueth and sister-in-laws, Dorothy Jean Ederer, Inez Ederer and Mary Ann Ederer and cousin, Ruth Ederer. In addition to a supportive and caring family, Rodger had many good friends, and was especially grateful for the intellectual and spiritual companionship of Dr. K.S. Sripada Raju. A Memorial Service will be held Thursday, March 21, 4 pm at Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes,1730 E. Grand River Ave, East Lansing with Dr. Robert Anderson officiating. The family will receive friends from 3-4 pm and a reception will follow the service. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Harris Nature Center Foundation, 3998 Van Atta Road, Okemos, MI 48864, or the Capital Area Literacy Coalition, 1028 East Saginaw, Lansing, MI 48906-5518. Online condolences may be made to www.greastlansing.com
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