Arthur C. Rodenbeck

Arthur passed away peacefully on Monday July 19, 2010 at the Flint Ridge Nursing Home. He is preceded in death by his wife of 59 years, Marguerite Rodenbeck. Art is survived by his brother Paul Rodenbeck, Three Children; Dean Doug and Carol; seven grandchildren, Tiffany, David, Emily, Betsy, Katie, Shannon, and Beau; three great grandchildren, Colton Chandler, and Addison.

Born in Louisville, KY on October 18, 1918 Art was reared in Fort Wayne In. He attended Franklin College in Indiana and majored in engineering. After serving in Army air Corps in WWII, earning his pilot’s license, Art began Airway Lumber Co. in Dayton, Oh. and became president of Rodenbeck Homes, Inc. He completed over 2000 homes and apartments in Ohio and Florida. In 1959, at the National Association of Homebuilders convention in Chicago, Art was given the privilege of introducing his close friend Dr. Norman Vincent Peale to the general assembly. Dr. Peale later referred to Art at the “star” of the cast of the assembly in his book, “The Amazing Results of Positive Thinking.” He quotes Art’s philosophy of positivism in handling practical human problems. During his term, the NAHB enjoyed its largest membership.

Art was not only successful in building; he was also a successful realtor for most of his career, and businessman. But, his success was really in his family. A devoted husband to Marguerite, and a loving father to Dean, Doug, and Carol.

He blessed everyone he met with his kind and loving character, never complaining about anything but expressing gratitude for everything. He had a prodigious memory, finding solace and comfort from the Bible verses he knew by heart. Art loved his weekly card games of gin rummy with his son Doug, and became a favorite of the nursing staff at Flint Ridge with his always sunny, always positive nature. In addition to providing thousands of families with homes, Art left a legacy of love to his own family, showing us how to live lives without fear by shining bright thoughts everywhere. Art will be dearly missed by all who knew Him.