Roderick William Gesell

Born: July 26, 1915

Died: August 15, 2010

He is survived by his daughter Carleen, two granddaughters, three grandsons, seven great grand children, and one great- great grand daughter.

Rod was not a hyphened American he was All American. He didn’t apologize for America – He was proud of "American exceptualizum".

He served in the navy from 1935 to 1938 on the USS North Hamton and to no surprise as testimony to his character he received a medal of honor.

Rod was a Long Beach Firefighter for 25 years. He’s one of the founders of the Long Beach Fire Museum. A Captain - a leader of men.

He was the classic American Farm boy who grew up in Iowa.

Rod was a Hunter – a Trapper – a Fisherman. He was the contemporary version of the 1800’s Mountain Man.

He was a Builder of Houses and Boats –

Rod was a Gadget and Tool Inventor. He developed a Pig Feeder that was patented by someone who stole his idea.

He also designed a Septic tank that City Engineers admired. He figured if somebody else could make something, then he could do it as well.

Rod was Mr. Coffee Personified and a Western Movie watcher.

He was a Story Teller and a Social Gabber. Rod loved a crowd, especially one with a bunch of firemen in it.

Rod loved a good Joke, either telling them or hearing them.

He was generous to a fault.

Rod loved the Stain Glass, huge pipe organ and the traditions of the Lutheran Church.

He played it old school when it came to marriage. He was married to the famous “Frankie” for 65 years.

Rod had a good 95-year run through life, and he enjoyed the journey.

Services will be held on Tuesday September 21, 2010 at 12:00 noon in the Westminster Memorial Park Main Chapel with a graveside service to follow. Arrangements under the direction of Westminster Memorial Park, 14801 Beach Blvd. Westminster, CA 92683. (714) 893-2421