Rodney Duane Anderson

Rodney (Rod) Anderson 58, passed away in his home in Houston on December 5, 2013, after a two year battle with brain cancer. Rod was born in Belle Fourche, SD to Darrell and Betty Anderson. He was raised on the family farm and attended school in Newell, SD. Prior to his junior year in high school, Rod’s family moved to Rapid City, SD, where Rod graduated from Stevens High School in 1973. Rod was active on the debate team and began his love of cooking working for a catering company

Rod was a political science major at Augustana College in Sioux Falls, SD. He earned a Masters degree in Public Administration from Texas Christian University in Fort Worth, TX. Rod worked for the cities of Fort Worth, Dallas, and San Antonio before moving to Houston in 1988. He worked for the City of Houston until his retirement in 2012. He found fulfillment in his work in the public sector. He married Jackie Oelfke in 1985 in Minneapolis, MN.

Rod was caring and generous. He routinely bought lunch for strangers in the tunnels downtown. He enjoyed learning about his heritage and introduced his family to the Swedish Club of Houston. Rod was a man of faith. He was active in Immanuel Lutheran Church, serving on numerous boards and committees. He was serving as congregational president at the time of his death. He had a passion for food and wine, gardening, travel and spreadsheets.

Rod is survived by his wife, Jackie, children Carrie, Chris and Claire Anderson, father, Darrell Anderson, Rapid City, SD; sisters Darla Carlson (Ron), Anchorage AK, Janelle Jerry, Rapid City, SD; brothers Stuart Anderson, Anchorage, AK, Curtis Anderson (Nancy), Denver Colorado, and 4 nephews and 5 nieces.

Special thanks to Dr. Yung and the staff of the Brain & Spine Center, Supportive Care Center, P8 and G12 NW at MD Anderson Cancer Center, Dr. Unger and VITAS Hospice, and Florinda White.